Tyrell Harrison of New Zealand Tall Blacks. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Tall Blacks have suffered their first ever loss to the Philippines, going down 93-89 in Manilla in their Asia Cup qualifier.
Head Coach Judd Flavell's young side will rue a poor 5-minute spell at the end of the third quarter, when defensive lapses allowed Philippines to go on a 16-point run and establish what would in the end prove to be a winning lead after the New Zealanders had edged the early exchanges.
Corey Webster led the scoring for New Zealand with 25 points and was well supported by Tom Vodanovich with 19, Sam Waardenburg 19 points and 7 rebounds, while Taylor Britt put up 13 assists to go with his 8 points.
Flavell could not fault his side's effort in his first game in charge of the national team but highlighted that third quarter lapse as costly.
"That was a good battle between two teams that bring a different game, the Philippines play a different style, they are a post up team with two true bigs out there and a big guard. I thought we matched their physicality for most of the ball game, but there were patches there where they got extra rebounds and created momentum, and that was the story of the third quarter."
Flavell saw plenty to like though from a young group that had very little time in preparation.
"There was a lot to like out there, we had great spacing where we could attack and find shooters when the ball was moving, and we shot the ball really well. There are huge positives, and the fourth quarter fight was one for me. For the majority of the contest, I really enjoyed watching us battle and staying in the contest, and just battling hard."
With the win the Philippines top the group and can qualify for the Asia Cup with a victory over Hong Kong this weekend.
Meanwhile New Zealand, bronze medalists in the 2022 Asia Cup, will look to regain their winning ways when they face Chinese Taipei in Christchurch on Sunday.
The Philippines have six points, New Zealand five, Chinese Taipei four and Hong Kong three.
The top two teams from each group qualify for next year's Asia Cup, while the six best third placed teams play another tournament for the final four spots.
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