Russia Overpowers New Zealand

ISTANBUL (FIBA World Championship) – Russia’s size has worn down New Zealand, 78-56, in a tense Eight Final encounter at the FIBA World Championship, setting up an encounter with old rival the USA in the Quarter Finals.

Russia broke clear of the Oceania champions in the third quarter with Tall Blacks stars Kirk Penney (21 points) and Mika Vukona on the bench with four fouls. Led by the superb Andrey Vorontsevich (18 points, 7/8 fg, 11 rebounds), Russia peeled off a 13-0 run late in the third quarter to break open what had been an arm wrestle.

Russia out-rebounded New Zealand 31-15 after quarter time, while the Tall Blacks made just 5/24 from three point range, missing repeated open looks. Timofey Mozgov (14 points, 7 rebounds) was strong inside for Russia, while Thomas Abercrombie (13 points, 4 rebounds) was tireless in his team’s loss.

New Zealand started quickly, leading, 9-2 after less than four minutes. But a number of missed open shots left the door open for Russia and they gained the ascendency if the half court grind, four straight points from Dmitriy Khvostov levelling the scores at 11-11.

While the Tall Blacks again started quickly in the second quarter, opening up a 21-16 lead on a Penney triple, Russia started to assert their authority in the paint. Defensively they locked New Zealand down, and a Sergey Monya three-pointer gave them a 29-21 lead with 3:41 to play in the half.

New Zealand finished the half strong behind Abercrombie, and when he scored their first eight points of the second half the Tall Blacks closed to 38-35. But first Penney and then Vukona picked up their fourth fouls and Russia took full advantage.