MANILA (Philippines) - Early foul trouble for Iran gave an indication of the kind of game we were about to witness.
Iran vs New Zealand played out exactly as advertised. Hard, physical defense from both teams, leading to verbal tiffs and subsequent technicals.
Clearly, it's a rivalry that hasn't needed decades to materialize.
Ready-Made rivalry
In their only previous tussle at the Asia Cup 2025 third-place game, it was Team Melli who prevailed 79-73.
In this repeat bout, the game was tied 14 times, with nine lead changes.
The biggest breakaway for New Zealand came in the second quarter, only for Iran to erase the 11-point deficit with a 14-0 run of their own.
The final twenty minutes remained a nip-and-tuck affair.
Game saving block
With 54 seconds to the end of regulation, New Zealand's Sam Mennenga got fouled out, but his frontcourt namesake Sam Waardenburg stepped up with his side up 93-91 with eight seconds left in overtime, to deny Iran a chance to take it into a second extra period.
Shea Illest
Earlier, it was point guard Shea Ili who started OT with a bang, courtesy of a throwdown that came out of nowhere. Ili would finish with 24 points and 6 rebounds.
He was ably supported down the stretch by forward Reuben Rangi, who chipped in with 13 points, 6 of which came in the extra period.
Overtime Kings
The win marks New Zealand's second overtime triumph in these World Cup 2027 Qualifiers, following a double OT verdict earlier this July, against Philippines, in the First round.
FIBA