Le'afa's Tall Blacks lock in spot at 2025 Asia Cup

New Zealand, headlined by Sydney Kings' Izayah Le'afa, used a big fourth quarter to overcome the gallant stand of an upset-hungry Chinese Taipei, 81-64, at the Wolfbrook Arena on Monday to secure their ticket to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.

Shea Ili and Tom Vodanovich opened the chapter with crucial plays to shift the momentum in their favour, and Sam Waardenburg would take it from there as the Tall Blacks bounced back from a stinging defeat to the Philippines last Thursday.

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Yet they assisted their budding rivals, as the result versus the East Asian side also enabled Gilas (4-0) to book its berth in next year's continental meet.

Now the two have become the latest to book their flights to Saudi Arabia as they join the hosts, Japan, and defending two-time Asia Cup champions Australia.

"I said in the group in the locker room, we got the job done," said Tall Blacks head coach Judd Flavell.

"These are good lessons for us to learn moving forward."

Waardenberg top-scored for New Zealand with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Le'afa added nine points, two assists and one steal in the win that improved their record to 3-1 to stay at number two in Group B behind the Philippines.