Sam Timmins scored eight consecutive points to lead a furious Tall Blacks’ rally down the stretch.
The Otago Nuggets centre was key in pulling the team back to within two points of Australia in its Asia Cup semifinal in Jakarta on Saturday.
However, it was not enough.
New Zealand Breakers guard William McDowell-White hit two three-pointers and a pair of free throws, sealing an 85-76 win for Australia.
Timmins finished with 16 points on an efficient eight-of-12 shooting, adding eight rebounds and three assists in a handy display.
He was the joint-top scorer for the Tall Blacks — former Nuggets forward Jordan Hunt also racked 16 points, including hitting all four of his triples.
A strong second quarter proved to be the crucial period for Australia.
It led 23-19, before a lift in defensive intensity generated turnovers to spark a 9-0 run.
It jumped out to a 49-37 halftime lead, former NBA big man Thon Maker (18 points, nine rebounds) proving influential inside.
The Tall Blacks began clawing back after halftime, although Maker continued his dominance to hold the 12-point lead at the end of third quarter.
Timmins stepped up to reduce to deficit to four, while a four-point play from Kruz Perrott-Hunt reduced the margin to two.
But McDowell-White (15 points, seven assists) took over in the final minutes, pulling away to ensure Australia advanced to the final against Lebanon which was played this morning.
The Tall Blacks played off for third against Jordan late last night.
