It beat Japan 104-87 in Kawasaki last night, just 48 hours after a loss to the same team.
A fast start was the key, as the Tall Blacks shot well to score 29 first quarter points and lead 61-42 at halftime.
That was in contrast 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 for range of shooters.
They were able to connect on far more of them too.
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.
Meanwhile Isaac Fotu was strong inside with 15 points, while Corey Webster chipped in with 14.
Rob Loe and Tom Abercrombie both reached double figures too.
While Japan threatened a comeback in the second half, the Tall Blacks were able to hit back every time the lead was reduced 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, the pace we are playing at and that is encouraging to get a result like that tonight on the back of all the work we are doing in camp and practices, it is awesome to see that and makes us believe the coaches are doing a great job.
“I think it is a buy-in thing for everyone, all the guys need to buy in for it to work and I thought tonight the guys bought in and I thought we did a great job.
“My eyes kind of light up when we talk about the style we want to play, it kind of plays to my strengths, bringing some pace to the game, it opens up the court and I can make plays for myself but most importantly, for others.”
Meanwhile coach Paul Henare was pleased with the effort the players had given.
“Much happier tonight, not so much the result, that is good, and 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.”
“When you shoot the ball at a good clip you always give yourself a chance, and while we didn’t shoot the lights out we definitely shot at a better clip and it always helps when you can keep that scoreboard pressure on.”
Henare was impressed again by the performance of 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 tomorrow, to prepare for two games against Canada on August 20 and 21, before then making the trip to China to complete preparations for the World Cup, with game one against Brazil on September 1.
Tall Blacks 104 (Rusbatch 16, Fotu 15, C Webster 14, Loe 13, Abercrombie 12)
Japan 87 (Hachimura 19, Fazekas 17, Baba 12)
