New Zealand boosts Fiba World Cup bid, rolls past Syria in qualifiers

New Zealand’s Corey Webster goes for a layup against Syria in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—New Zealand strengthened its bid for a spot in the Fiba World Cup after dispatching Syria, 126-74, in the fourth window of the Asian qualifiers on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tall Blacks improved to 6-2 in Group E just behind undefeated Australia (7-0). The top three teams in Group E and F qualify for next year’s World Cup in Qatar.

“I think we started off great and maybe took our foot off the pedal in some respects and Syria did a good job in making it a ballgame,” said coach Judd Flavell, whose squad also secured a key overtime victory over Iran on Friday.

“We challenged the group at the half on how to make a mark on the game.”

New Zealand didn’t seem to need much firepower in the second half after a hot start saw the Kiwis take a 31-19 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

“I think we just locked in, picked up on our standard and played good on defense,” said New Zealand guard Flynn Cameron after dropping 21 points, four rebounds and three steals.

Also providing significant contributions for New Zealand were Corey Webster and Sam Mennenga, who scored 22 and 20 points, respectively.

James Justice Jr. was the sole double-digit scorer for the Syrians with 22. He also had five assists and five rebounds.