Second straight loss for New Zealand, this time to Mexico.
After the exclusion from the “16” and the Hellasthe team from Oceania also lost to “El Tri”, who achieved their first victory (108-100) in the World Cup, for the second group stage and places 17 to 32.
Omar Quintero’s players did not encounter any particular difficulty, as they “raised gears” in the middle of the first period, thanks to a 9-0 run (12-22 at 7′). The difference soared in the second and third quarters, reaching up to 19 points (50-69 at 25′).
Pero Cameron’s side only made their presence felt when the pace dropped, just managing to close the gap on the scoreboard in the closing minutes, but without further threatening.
Paco Cruz stole the show for Mexico, finishing the game with 27 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds. Double double for Fabian Jaimes, with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists, while Joshua Ibora stopped at 16 points, as did Gabriel Hiron, and 7 rebounds.
Ruben Te Rangi’s unreal performance was not enough for New Zealand. The 28-year-old forward scored 32 points, while Finn Daly added another 19. Shay Ealy had a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists.
Next game for New Zealand v Egypt (02/09, 11:45), with Mexico facing Jordan (02/09, 15:30).
The ten minutes: 22-31, 41-57, 68-78, 100-108
See the match statistics here
Source: Sport Fm
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