AUCKLAND (FIBA U19 World Championship) - New Zealand have defeated Angola, 62-54, and won their second straight game to take out 13th place at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Auckland.

It did not come easy for the Junior Tall Blacks, however, with a rejuvenated Angolan team staying within reach until deep into the final quarter.

New Zealand could not extend their lead past 12, while Angola would not get closer than 5 points despite the best efforts of Miguel Kiala, who dominated the paint to record 16 points and 12 rebounds. Kiala leads the tournament in rebounding with more than 13 per game.

Only the excellent first half of guard Brook Ruscoe (12 points) gave the host nation a 31-21 advantage at the long break. The game was a defensive affair in the third quarter, with both teams scoring only 12 points for the term.

Only when centre Rob Loe (15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, 6 turnovers) stepped up to offer Ruscoe (20 points, 3 assists) support did New Zealand manage to secure their lead and 13th place in the tournament, their first FIBA U19 World Championship.

Captain Dion Prewster also performed well for New Zealand, while Angola’s Eduardo Ferreira finished the world championship on a strong note with 15 points.

FIBA