USA defeat Tall Blacks despite strong Ili performance

New Zealand have lost their opening game of the FIBA World Cup, going down against a USA team made up entirely of NBA stars.

The Tall Blacks looked poised to cause an upset early thanks in part to some spectacular plays from Melbourne United’s Shea Ili, who diced through the lane to score at the hoop.

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After holding a 14-4 lead after five minutes of play, foul trouble hindered the Tall Blacks, allowing the USA to charge back and ultimately take control of the game, which they would win by 27 points.

Despite picking up three fouls within his first 10 minutes on the court, Ili finished as perhaps New Zealand’s strongest contributor, tallying 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal.

Fellow United guard Flynn Cameron also put up five points, four rebounds and an assist in his 13 minutes.

New Zealand’s next game will come on Monday night at 6:45pm against Jordan, who fell to Greece on Saturday.

Also dropping their opening game of the tournament was South Sudan, which was to feature Jo Lual-Acuil Jr before his hand injury. The Bright Stars went down in overtime against Puerto Rico.