The New Zealand men’s basketball team squandered a healthy lead in the final quarter and lost their trans-Tasman Commonwealth Games match-up against Australia 79-73 in Cairns.
The New Zealanders led 21-19 at quarter-time, had stretched their lead to 40-35 at halftime and still led 59-56 going into the final quarter.
However, a disappointing final quarter, which the New Zealanders lost 23-14, dictated the outcome of the match.
For New Zealand, Thomas Abercrombie provided yeoman service, playing 34 minutes and providing 10 points. The team’s leading points scorer was Shea Ili with 22, and Reuben Te Rangi also chipped in with 12.
There was some good defence from Finn Delany, Jordan Ngatai and Robert Loe, but the New Zealanders were unable to sustain their efforts.
For Australia, Nick Kay scored 21 points and Nathan Sobey did a fine job on defence.