Le'afa helps Tall Blacks defeat the Philippines

On Sunday, New Zealand - headlined by Sydney Kings' Izayah Le'afa - had a double delight at a sold-out Spark Arena with the Tall Blacks defeating the Philippines 87-70 and Corey Webster celebrating his 100th game in the black singlet.

The Tall Blacks suffered a 93-89 loss against the Gilas in February but led by a career-equaling 25 points from Tohi-Smith-Milner avenged that defeat in style.

Webster shot an efficient five from nine for his 14 points while there were other key contributions from Reuben Te Rangi (12 points and nine rebounds), and Jordan Ngatai (11 points).

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Point guard Taylor Britt had arguably his best game in a black singlet adding five rebounds and three assists to eight points while Tai Wynyard (seven points and four rebounds) complimented Smith-Milner with aplomb in a frontcourt missing the services of the injured Sam Waardenburg.

Despite being undermanned among the forward New Zealand won the rebounding count 45-42 and held their opponents to 27 from 72 (38%) from the floor while converting at 44 per cent (30/69) themselves.

There was also a notable difference from beyond the arc where New Zealand shot 39% (13/33) compared with 21% ((6/29) from the visitors.

The victory ensured that the Tall Blacks finished top of Group B at the conclusion of their Asia Cup Qualifying campaign ensuring a top-six seeding at the FIBA Asia Cup in August.

Smith-Milner opened the scoring with an arching three and Webster scored with his opening shot as the hosts forged an 18-9 lead – Smith-Milner with three triples in the opening frame as the Tall Blacks won the period 30-15.

The Philippines scored the first four points after the resumption and although Webster answered with a triple the visitors narrowed the deficit to 8 points at the six-minute mark in the period.

Smith-Milner, after making his fourth effort from beyond the arc, was forced to the bench after picking up a third foul – a pair of Taylor Britt jump shots restoring the Tall Blacks' double-figure lead. The Tall Blacks outscored the Gilas 10-2 over the closing minutes to carry momentum and a 53-33 lead into the half-time break.

Spearheaded by Smith-Milner (4/6) and Ngatai (2/5) the Tall Blacks shot 10 from 19 from beyond the arc with the Filipinos restricted to 2 from 11 from deep and 13 from 34 overall in the half.

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A pair of technical fouls picked up by the Philippines, much to the consternation of coach Tim Cone, helped the Tall Blacks cause – their lead close to thirty after a Te Rangi score.

The volume of support from the Philippines fans increased markedly as their team reduced the deficit to 19 points (74-55) ahead of the final quarter.

Gilas Pilipinas scored the opening points of the final period and were within 11 points with 6 minutes to play before scores from Webster and Kaia Isaac necessitated a time-out from the visitors.

Livewire guard Chris Newsome raised the Philippines' hopes with a couple of baskets but the Tall Blacks weathered the storm to close out a deserved victory while also providing playing time and second caps for Tama Isaac and Jackson Ball with.