ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - New Zealand have seized pole position in Group B following a 101-82 victory over Chinese Taipei in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025, Monday evening at the MBank Arena.
The Junior Tall Blacks figured in a nip-and-tuck affair with their East Asian counterparts early but got going in the second chapter, never to be denied toward staying spotless in the tournament with a 2-0 record.
A win against the Philippines on Tuesday, September 2, 16:30 local time at the Buyant Ukhaa Sport Complex would enable the crew to lock the no. 1 spot and book a ticket to the Quarter-Finals set on September 5.
Marco Sula submitted his best game yet with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists to lead the NZL boys.
Brigham Hakaraia delivered 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists off the bench. Liam Keogh also finished with 12 points to his name, and laced it with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 of the team's 7 steals.
Elijah Tuupo and Lawson Pryor added 11 points apiece as five players finished in double digits in the victory that saw New Zealand collect 62 rebounds - that, after grabbing 79 versus Indonesia on opening day.
*This article will be updated.