Basketball: Tall Blacks succumb to Croatia

The New Zealand men's basketball team have lost their latest buildup match ahead of the world championship when going down to Croatia in Zadar, Croatia, today.

The Tall Blacks succumbed 88-93 after leading 46-42 at halftime in a World Cup tournament also featuring Russia and Jordan.

The Croatians hit the front after the interval but at no stage led by more than seven points.

"It was a very close game all the way through," Tall Blacks coach Nenad Vucinic said.

"Despite them getting too many easy baskets to start with we managed to stay in the game.

"At times they got six or seven point leads but we managed to come back every time. They are one of the top teams in the world. It was their court and their refs, so we competed well."

Kirk Penney was New Zealand's leading scorer with 36 points, but had some good back up from another veteran in Phill Jones with 17, including a three-pointer in the last couple of minutes to bring his team to within a couple of points.

Mika Vukona also contributed 12 points.

For Croatia, point guard Marko Popovic led the way with 21 points and had the benefit of four teammates also hitting double figures.

Vucinic said his team paid a price for committing 19 turnovers.

The New Zealanders next play Russia tomorrow as they sharpen preparations for the world championship starting in Turkey on August 28.

Croatia 93 (Marko Popovic 21) New Zealand 88 (Kirk Penney 36, Phil Jones 17, Mika Vukona 12).

Halftime: 42-46.

- NZPA