WELLINGTON (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - New Zealand had nary a trouble as they cruised past Syria, 97-74 to clinch their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 berths.

New Zealand knew they needed a strong start to put a hard working Syrian quintet away early, and that's exactly what the Tall Blacks did. Coach Paul Henare's wards scored the first 12 points and set the tone for what would be a lopsided affair.

New Zealand knew they needed a strong start to put a hard working Syrian quintet away early, and that's exactly what the Tall Blacks did. Coach Paul Henare's wards scored the first 12 points and set the tone for what would be a lopsided affair.

 
Syria would play better in the second half, outscoring the hosts, 48-36, but it was just too little, too late for the visiting West Asian side.

Tom Abercrombie led the way for New Zealand with 15 points and 3 triples, while Alex Pledger an Ethan Rusbtach added 11 points apiece. Veteran Mika Vukona also impressed with 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals.

 
Syria, meanwhile, drew 18 points from Tarek Al-Jabi.

This result ensures that the Tall Blacks have qualified for the World Cup for the fifth straight edition dating back to 2002. They will wind up their Asian Qualifiers campaign in February against Lebanon and Jordan.

FIBA