World Cup roster confirmed after OT loss

Tai Webster takes the ball to the hoop against Canada for the Tall Blacks. Photo: Getty Images
Tai Webster takes the ball to the hoop against Canada for the Tall Blacks. Photo: Getty Images
A better performance and the World Cup roster confirmed.

They were the two key events for the Tall Blacks in Sydney last night.

Just a day after being thrashed by Canada, the Tall Blacks took the same team to overtime in a 103-100 loss.

Corey Webster led the way with a 33-point performance in what was a much-improved performance.

The Tall Blacks led 23-13 at the end of the first quarter, before Canada mounted a strong comeback.

It closed the deficit to three at halftime, before edging in front 60-59 at the end of the third quarter.

That continued into the fourth quarter, but the Tall Blacks fought back and Webster came up with a crucial three-point play to tie the score with seconds to play.

Canada extended its lead again early in overtime and while Tai and Corey Webster led the fight back again, it came up just short.

Coach Paul Henare was pleased with the return to a more typical Tall Blacks effort, based on energy, work rate and an up-tempo offence.

“That was a much better effort and playing at the required intensity at this level. That was really good to see the response, obviously we are still disappointed with the result, but knowing the way we can play against quality athleticism, length and what they were doing systematically, it was pleasing to see such a change in such a short turnaround.

“We have to keep reminding ourselves about how we do those things, through messages, conversations, watching video – it is a good reminder that we can play at that level. It is repeated messages about doing those same things over and over again.”

Meanwhile the roster of 12 for the World Cup was confirmed after the game, Taine Murray and Tom Vodanovich dropping out of the squad from Sydney.

Tall Blacks 100 (C Webster 33, Rusbatch 15, Loe 12, T Webster 11)

Canada 103 (P Scrubb 24, Wiltjer 18, Pangos 17)

Tall Blacks, FIBA World Cup Roster

Guards: Shea Ili, Wellington Saints/Melbourne United; Jarrod Kenny, Bay Hawk’s/Cairns Taipans; Tai Webster, Galatasaray; Corey Webster, NZ Breakers; Ethan Rusbatch, Bay Hawks;

Small Forwards: Tom Abercrombie, Wellington Saints/NZ Breakers; Jordan Ngatai, Wellington Saints/NZ Breakers;

Power Forwards: Isaac Fotu, Universo Treviso; Finn Delany, Nelson Giants/NZ Breakers;

Centres: Alex Pledger, Southland Sharks/Melbourne United; Rob Loe, Wellington Saints/NZ Breakers; Tohi Smith-Milner, Melbourne United;

 

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