Tall Blacks Stage Dramatic Comeback to Defeat Lebanon at Asia Cup

The Tall Blacks achieved a stunning victory over Lebanon with a remarkable comeback, winning 90-86 in the quarter-finals of the Asia Cup held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Trailing by as much as 22 points early in the second quarter, New Zealand managed to turn the game around, showcasing resilience and teamwork.

The match began unfavorably for the Tall Blacks, who found themselves down 35-13 shortly into the second quarter. Despite the daunting deficit, the team gradually clawed back into contention. By halftime, they were still trailing by 15 points but had begun to find their rhythm on offence. The comeback was led by standout performances from Mojave King and Max Darling.

Coach Judd Flavell expressed his pride in the team’s performance, highlighting the adjustments made during the game. “Lebanon, in that first quarter, could do no wrong. They made us pay for every mistake that we had,” Flavell stated. “We were in a big hole, we had to make some adjustments, and we did. The mindset was to get to the rim, and we were able to turn it around. So proud of this young group to grind it out in the end. It was also probably Max Darling’s best game in a Tall Blacks singlet.”

With this victory, New Zealand maintained its unbeaten record at the tournament and advanced to the semi-finals for the third consecutive time. The Tall Blacks are set to face China on Sunday morning, while Australia will compete against Iran in the other semi-final match.

In the quarter-final clash, Darling delivered an impactful performance, contributing 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and one block. His efforts were crucial in keeping the Tall Blacks competitive, especially during key moments when the team needed timely scoring. King also had an impressive outing, scoring 23 points along with three assists, two three-pointers, and two steals, which ignited the decisive push in the fourth quarter.

Additionally, Flynn Cameron added 12 points and three assists, while Tohi Smith-Milner and Carlin Davison made significant contributions on both ends of the court, showcasing a balanced team effort.

This thrilling match not only highlighted the Tall Blacks’ determination but also set the stage for an exciting semi-final as they aim for further glory in the Asia Cup.