The New Zealanders beat Japan 104-87 in Kawasaki on Wednesday night, 48 hours after losing to the same team.
A fast start was the key, as the Tall Blacks scored 29 first-quarter points and led 61-42 at halftime. That contrasted to the 18-2 deficit they faced in game one.
The Japanese struggled to keep up as the Tall Blacks pushed the ball and got quality shots and were able to connect on far more of them.
Ethan Rusbatch led a spread-out scoring load, draining five of eight from the field and managing 16 points in just 24 minutes. He added five rebounds and likely clinched a spot in the final squad of 12 to head to the World Cup in China.
Isaac Fotu was strong inside with 15 points, while Corey Webster chipped in with 14. Rob Loe and Tom Abercrombie both reached double figures.
While Japan threatened a comeback in the second half, the Tall Blacks were able to hit back every time the lead was down to single digits.
Point guard Tai Webster is liking what he has seen so far in the World Cup preparation.
"I think we have a great new system in place, something we have never seen from the Tall Blacks before."
Coach Paul Henare was "much happier", not not just with the result.
"We needed to leave with a win for the confidence and what that does for our group. But more so for the way we played and the way we imposed our style of game.
"There were some reactions from the Japanese team that were a good sign for us, the fact they were respecting the way we were playing with pace and trying to push the ball."
Henare was impressed by Rusbatch.
"The way we are playing, the challenge in front of us is we need everyone to step up and perform. On Ethan, I don't know if NBL clubs are watching - and I work for one, so maybe it is the pot calling the kettle black, a little. But I am not sure they really appreciate what he can do. He is a legitimate threat from three, has a quick release, he is consistent and he has put the work in. I am just happy for him and the work he has put in over the past few years that he is able to perform consistently at a high level."
The team now travels to Sydney to prepare for games against Canada on August 20 and 21, before going to China to complete preparations for the World Cup.
Scores.-
Tall Blacks 104 (Rusbatch 16, Fotu 15, C Webster 14, Loe 13, Abercrombie 12), Japan 87 (Hachimura 19, Fazekas 17, Baba 12)
