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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
New Zealand notched two wins in the first window of the 2027 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers’ second round, but a 6-2 record doesn’t show the Tall Blacks’ struggles in Group E, which included a narrow escape of Gilas Pilipinas.
Even after a 126-74 domination of Syria at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday afternoon, New Zealand coach Judd Flavell wasn’t one to flex his muscles.
He didn’t pump up his chest, simply because he knows just how dangerous Group E can be.
“Every team is eyeing those spots [for the World Cup]. It’s very competitive,” he said. “We have very good teams joining this group.
“As we’ve seen with the other results, the Philippines and Jordan had another overtime game. We went to OT with Iran the other night, too.”
The Tall Blacks’ troika of Corey Webster, Flynn Cameron and Sam Mennenga turned in 22, 21 and 20 points, respectively, in New Zealand’s latest victory.
But that win over Syria didn’t fully erase the Kiwis’ memories of overtime struggles.
New Zealand had to endure five more minutes against the Iranians on Friday before pulling out a gutsy 93-91 win.
Coincidentally, just hours after the Tall Blacks’ hard-fought conquest of Iran, the Philippines had to outlast Jordan, 82-81, also in overtime.
Even more coincidental was the fact that in the third window of the qualifiers’ opening round, New Zealand had to play two overtimes to get past Gilas, 106-102.
New Zealand, the Philippines, Jordan and Syria are still all in the running to make the main draw.
Flavell, though, chose to focus on his squad as they enter the second window solidly in contention, just behind unbeaten Australia.
“We got the job done (for now), it’s just one step. There are two more windows to play in November,” Flavell said.
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“Coming into that window, our vision is very clear. [We’ll] come in and take care of our business and be ready for two quality games.” INQ
