New Zealand proved steadier down the stretch while relying on a solid defensive effort to nip a tough Iran quintet in overtime, 93-91, in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Friday.
The Tall Blacks engaged in a neck-and-neck affair in the first half but managed to stay afloat in the second half before Reuben Rangi completed a three-point play. He followed that up with a triple for a 90-86 cushion.
While Iran pushed to within 91-93, New Zealand big man Sam Waardenburg swatted a potential game-tying driving attempt by Iran’s Mohammad Amini with eight seconds to go.
Iran managed to regain ball possession but Waardenburg quickly distracted Alireza Sharifi’s point-blank attempt in the dying seconds to protect New Zealand’s lead.
Carlin Davidson pulled down the defensive rebound after Sharifi’s missed attempt, allowing the Kiwis to register their fifth straight win and tie the Iranians at provisional joint third spot with a 5-2 card in Group E.
Guard Shea Ili led the streaking New Zealand with 24 points, six assists, and two steals, while Sam Mennenga registered a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Waardenburg recorded an all-around play of 11 points, seven boards, four assists, two steals, and a block.
Matin Aghajanpour led Iran in the losing effort with 19 points even as Mohammad Amini added 16 points.