New Zealand defeat fast-finishing Jordan

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

New Zealand has defeated Jordan in overtime despite the heroic efforts of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

Photo: @FIBAWC

New Zealand has held on in its second World Cup group game to overcome Jordan in a dramatic overtime thriller in Manila.

The Tall Blacks looked like they were set to cruise home in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, but an offensive clinic by 300-game NBA veteran Rondae Hollis-Jefferson helped dragged Jordan back into the game.

Hollis-Jefferson scored 11 points in the final two minutes of the game – including a successful four-point play with 10 seconds remaining – to force overtime.

New Zealand’s Shea Ili had the chance to win the game in the dying seconds of the fourth, but missed a contested layup.

New Zealand made short work of its opposition in the five-minute overtime period to emerge as eight-point winners.

The extra period allowed Ili to finish the double-double he was so close to completing in regulation as he ended the game with 15 points and 10 assists, while Breakers guard Izayah Le’Afa top scored for New Zealand with 23 points.

Finn Delany struggled to convert his shot but still ended the game with 14 points and seven rebounds, and ex-New Zealand and South East Melbourne big Yanni Wetzell had 13 points.

Hollis-Jefferson’s scoring streak in the fourth quarter saw him end the game with 39 points, nine rebounds and four assists, and 2017 EuroLeague champion Ahmad Dwairi had a 19-point, 10 rebound double-double.

New Zealand will next play Greece on Wednesday night, while Jordan will clash with the USA.

NEW ZEALAND – 95 (Le’Afa 23, Ili 15, Delany 14)
JORDAN – 87 (Hollis-Jefferson 39, Ibrahim 22, Dwairi 19)