Basketball: Tall Blacks beat Portugal

Portugal 91 New Zealand 98

The Tall Blacks have beaten Portugal in the opening match of the Four Nations basketball tournament in Italy.

New Zealand have won 98-91 in Treviso, with captain Kirk Penney dominant in scoring 35 points.

It is their first win of the European tour, after two losses to Estonia last week.

For the first time on the European tour three players other than Penney had double figures.

Point guard Mike Fitchett said they needed to step up and help Penney out.

He said if other players are knocking down shots the opposition cannot double team Penney.

Fitchett and Alex Pledger each had 10 points, while Tom Abercrombie added 13.

New Zealand plays Italy tomorrow.

- NEWSTALK ZB