Off-season Games Wrap: Tall Blacks stars prepare for Olympic Qualifiers

A pair of Melbourne United stars have suited up for the New Zealand Tall Blacks in friendlies against Finland and Poland ahead of the nation’s bid to qualify for the Olympics.

Shea Ili and Flynn Cameron each took to the court, finding success in what ultimately were losing efforts for the Tall Blacks.

After going down following a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Finland, New Zealand struggled against Poland, losing by 29 despite a team-high 17 points from Ili.

The Tall Blacks will next play Croatia on Thursday before facing Slovenia on Friday as part of the FIBA Olympic Qualifier Tournament.

Over in New Zealand, Rob Loe put together a dominant performance for Auckland in the NZNBL, leading his side past the Franklin Bulls.

The big-man was everywhere for the Tuatara, tallying an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double in the 12 point win.

With two rounds remaining, Loe and Auckland sit in second place with 15 wins and 3 losses.

Back in Victoria, Kyle Bowen has helped lead the Knox Raiders to the largest win of the NBL1 South season so far, thrashing the Nunawading Spectres by 52 points.

In just over 20 minutes of play, Bowen scored seven points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out four assists.

United’s trio of Sandringham Sabres stars didn’t enjoy equal success however, going down to the Eltham Wildcats by five points.

Tanner Krebs top scored with 28 points, while Campbell Blogg added 13 of his own. 

RESULTS 

New Zealand 70 def by Finland 73

Shea Ili - 9 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
Flynn Cameron - 1 rebound, 1 steal

New Zealand 59 def by Poland 88

Shea Ili - 17 points, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks
Flynn Cameron - 6 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal

Sandringham Sabres 85 def by Eltham Wildcats 90

Tanner Krebs - 28 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal

Campbell Blogg - 13 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals

Tom Koppens - 7 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block

Knox Raiders 99 def Nunawading Spectres 47

Kyle Bowen - 7 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists

Auckland Tuatara 89 def Franklin Bulls 77

Rob Loe - 18 Points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 1 block

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