AUCKLAND (FIBA U19 World Championship) -  Teams have been put on notice that playing New Zealand at this FIBA U19 World Championship in Auckland will not be an easy task.

While Croatia escaped with a narrow seven point win on day 2, much like the previous night’s game between Argentina and the host nation, the contest was in doubt until the final seconds.

The large Croatian contigent in the stands could only start rejoicing victory when captain Mario Delas nailed a tough fadeaway jumpshot with one minute remaining. Delas followed that up with another tough shot on the next play to put the result beyond doubt.

Missing their starting centre Rob Loe, New Zealand received outstanding performances from Richie Edwards (29 points, 9 rebounds) and Dion Prewster (13 points, 8 rebounds) who had to battle much taller opponents all night.

Croatia can thank point guard Toni Prostran (12 points, 6 assists) and in particular Delas (31 points, 15/24 fg, 14 rebounds) for their second successive victory, who delivered on a number of occasions down the stretch. Croatia was also well served by Leon Radosevic with 13 points and 9 rebounds.

The Europeans were helped by New Zealand’s poor free throw shooting (13/23, 57%). Clearly the better team for much of the final quarter, the Junior Tall Black missed six free throws in what could have been a match winning period.

New Zealand must now beat Kazakhstan at 7:30pm Saturday at the North Shore Events Centre to progress to the second round.

Croatia will play Argentina to decide who takes first place in Group D at 1:30pm.


Kenny McFadden, New Zealand coach :

“It was a big blow making the decision right before the game not to bring out Rob Loe. His Achilles was a bit sore, he wanted to play but we didn’t want to injure him any more.

We knew we had Kazakhstan tomorrow, so we decide not to play him. But that exposed our inside in the first quarter a lot more than we expected.

But I think the boys went out there and played to the game plan, and I think we had our chances, but the boys laid it on the line and I think they played as hard as they can play.”

FIBA