BRA - Brazil too good for Tall Blacks

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RIO DE JANEIRO (FIBA World Championship) - Brazil defeated New Zealand 105-89 in the first game of their four-game warm-up friendly-series ahead of the FIBA World Championship.

After an even first quarter, but from the second period onward Brazil managed to move into a winning position and saw off the Tall Blacks.

The sides meet again on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Brazil coach Aluisio 'Lula' Ferreira said: "It was a very good first game. We managed to maintain a good tactical base, although we made some mistakes that are normal in this phase of preparation.

"We dominated the game during the 40 minutes, even using 11 players. It`s important to take into account that we've been training for only six days."

Brazilian guard Marcelinho admitted he was happy to get off to a winning start but that the focus is on the FIBA World Championship in Japan.

He said: "It's very good to win against such a strong team like New Zealand. But the result is not important now. What we're interested in is to improve, so we can be well prepared for the World Championship".

In the FIBA World Championship, Brazil will play in Group C alongside Greece, Lithuania, Turkey, Australia and Qatar, while New Zealand were drawn in Group B, with Panama, Germany, Japan, Spain and Angola.

PA Sport