Captain Ngatai Guides Tall Blacks to Victory Over Philippines

Captain Jordan Ngatai led the Tall Blacks to a hard-fought victory against the Philippines, securing their second win at the Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia. The final score was 94-86, with Ngatai contributing significantly by scoring 22 points. Despite a remarkable performance from Filipino power forward Justin Brownlie, who scored 37 points, New Zealand maintained composure to remain unbeaten in the tournament.

Ngatai showcased his shooting prowess, hitting seven of eight field goal attempts, with a perfect five-for-five from three-point range. In addition to Ngatai’s efforts, Taylor Britt added 19 points and provided seven assists, while Flynn Cameron contributed 12 points to the team’s total. The Tall Blacks established a commanding lead in the first half, hitting nine three-pointers and carrying a 55-41 advantage into halftime.

As the game progressed, the Philippines narrowed the gap to just three points in the final quarter. Ngatai responded decisively, sinking his fifth three-pointer to extend the lead. The Tall Blacks’ defense then solidified their position, enabling them to close out the match successfully.

Reflecting on the contest, Ngatai stated, “A really physical game, we never underestimated them and I think if we did it would have been a completely different story. We didn’t back down, we took it to them and guys stepped up and made big plays.”

Looking Ahead

With this victory, the Tall Blacks improve to 2-0 in the tournament and prepare for their next challenge against fellow unbeaten team Chinese Taipei. The upcoming match carries significant implications, as the winner will secure an automatic spot in the quarter-finals, while the loser will face a qualification game to advance.

Head coach Judd Flavell highlighted the importance of these matches for the team’s preparations, stating, “These are the types of games that are going to help us prepare for what lies ahead, because every game from here on in is going to be just as hard, if not harder.”

As the Tall Blacks continue their campaign in the Asia Cup, their determination and teamwork will be crucial in facing increasingly challenging opponents.