Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 29) — New Zealand remained in the hunt for a second-round seat with a 94-87 win after escaping Jordan and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s career high during their FIBA World Cup match at the Mall of Asia Arena on Monday.
The Jordan team started off slow, lagging behind New Zealand, 18-21, at the end of the opening frame.
The Tall Blacks further solidified their lead in the second quarter, pulling away with a nine-point gap capped by Izayah Le’afa driving layup, 46-37.
Jordan failed to break their opponent’s momentum in the third salvo, 57-65, but clinched a small 5-0 run from Freddy Ibrahim’s trey in the last frame that sparked converted boards to finally trim New Zealand’s lead.
RHJ then powered through and pushed the game into overtime after converting a crucial three-and-1 play in the final two minutes of the fourth frame, 85-all.
The Jordan team, however, failed to follow through in overtime, as the Tall Blacks kept them at bay with a 10-2 run.
Despite the loss, RHJ’s incredible 39-point career high gave the MOA audience an unreal match with his deciding shots and clutch points.
The naturalized Jordan star and PBA import also had nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals against six turnovers.
“I was inspired to just go out and do it. Coach needed me to do this, I was gonna do it and it just so happened the ball was rolling,” Hollis-Jefferson said.
Le’afa led New Zealand with 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists. The Tall Black’s Shea Ili had a double-double of 15 points and 10 assists before fouling out in overtime.
USA’s win against Greece eliminates Jordan with a winless slate while New Zealand is set to face Greece for a slot in the tournament’s second phase.
