“Tall Blacks” bounced back and won a ticket to the Asian Cup

Sam Waardenburg of the Tall Blacks vs. Chinese Taipei.
Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2024 www.photosport.nz

The Tall Blacks booked their place at next year’s Asian Cup by defeating Chinese Taipei 81-64 in a qualifying match in Christchurch.

The win takes the Tall Blacks to three wins and one defeat and guarantees New Zealand a place at next year’s tournament in Saudi Arabia, with qualifying games still to come in February.

The victory follows the Tall Blacks’ disappointing loss to the Philippines in Manila last week and means the Philippines, who top Group B ahead of New Zealand, have also secured a place at the 2025 Asian Cup.

They will join hosts Japan and defending two-time Asian Cup champions Australia in the teams that have already qualified.

“I told the group in the locker room that we got the job done,” head coach Judd Flavell said. “These are good lessons for us to learn moving forward.”

Sam Waardenburg led the Tall Blacks in scoring with 16 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal and a block.

It was a defensive arm-wrestle at times, but a strong final quarter helped the home side secure victory.

The evening saw several personal milestones: 17-year-old Oscar Goodman made his debut for the Tall Blacks, entering the game late in the first quarter, becoming the ninth youngest player to earn the award at 17 years and 293 days. .

Kaya Isaac quickly followed Goodman with her first appearance as Tall Black when the New York Breakers guard entered the fray early in the second quarter.

The Tall Blacks’ next match is a return meeting with the Philippines in February before traveling to Hong Kong to complete their qualifying program ahead of the Asian Cup.