Tall Blacks launch massive fightback to stun Lebanon at Asia Cup

RNZ News

4 days ago

Max Darling of the Tall Blacks.
Photo:
photosport
The Tall Blacks have staged a remarkable comeback from 22 points down to beat Lebanon 90-86 and advance to the semi-finals at the Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
New Zealand looked all but out of the contest after slumping to 35-13 down early in the second quarter of their quarter-final at King Abdullah Sports City but gradually worked their way back into the contest.
Still trailing by 15 at halftime, they found their groove on offence, the fightback spearheaded by Mojave King and Max Darling.
Coach Judd Flavell expressed pride at his team's turnaround.
"Lebanon, in that first quarter, could do no wrong. They made us pay for every mistake that we had," Flavell said.
"We were in a big hole, we had to make some adjustments and we did. The mindset was get to the rim, and we were able to turn it around.
"So proud of this young group to grind it out in the end. It was also probably Max Darling's best game in a Tall Blacks singlet."
Victory maintained New Zealand's unbeaten record at the tournament and sent them through to the semi-finals for the third successive time.
Their opponents on Sunday morning will be China while Australia will play Iran in the other semi.
Darling finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists and a block, battling inside to keep the Tall Blacks afloat while delivering timely points as they hauled in the deficit.
King compiled 23 points, three assists, two three-pointers and two steals, igniting the decisive fourth-quarter push.
Flynn Cameron added 12 points and three assists while Tohi Smith-Milner and Carlin Davison produced clutch plays at both ends of the court.