Tall Blacks snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

ROTORUA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - New Zealand proved to be the steadier team down the stretch and broke Lebanese hearts after completing a stirring comeback to win, 63-60.

The Tall Blacks fell behind by as many as 11 points in their match against the confident Lebanese, but they kept chipping at the deficit throughout the contest till they unleashed a strong finishing kick to steal the game from the Cedars.

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Down to the wire! Lebanon brought the fire & held the front for much of the game. Tall Blacks holding their strike to the final moments for a thriller! Thanks to @lebbball - it was a pleasure to host you in New Zealand, wonderful ambassadors for your nation with fighting spirit. #FIBAWC #TuKaha #TallBlacks #ThisIsMyHouse

A post shared by Tall Blacks (@tallblacks) on Sep 17, 2018 at 2:33am PDT

Lebanon looked good, leading, 59-55, with around 2 minutes left, but that's when the home team made their move, going on an 8-1 run to close out the game and book their seventh win in eight games.

The Tall Blacks' backcourt carried them in this encounter. Shea Ili had 14 points to lead the way followed by the Webster brothers, who combined for 24 points. Lebanon were paced by veteran Elie Rustom and naturalized center Ater Majok, who scored 19 and 16 points respectively.

New Zealand return to action in the fifth window of the Asian Qualifiers hosting Jordan on 29 November, while Lebanon's next assignment is against Korea also on the same date.

FIBA