Timmins' Tall Blacks defeat Japan in pre-World Cup clash

The Tall Blacks, featuring Sydney Kings' Sam Timmins, have registered a dominant 94-75 victory against Japan, in their second and final game of the Ota-based friendly series.

New Zealand jumped to a 21-17 lead after the first period, then extended their lead to nine at half-time thanks to an impressive 29-point quarter.

The Kiwis were at their most dominant in the third as they held the hosts to just 13 points, scoring 25 of their own, then held on in the final period, claiming a dominant victory in front of a packed Japan crowd.

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Reuben Te Rangi led the way for New Zealand with 20 points and six rebounds as one of five Kiwis to hit double figures while Sydney's Sam Timmins added seven points.

Japan was paced by Makoto Hiejima’s 12 points, while Hirotaka Yoshi tallied 11 and Yuki Kawamura and Yuki Togashi had 10 points apiece.

New Zealand won this game on the strength of their shooting and rebounding.

They shot 59.6 per cent from the field (33/57), scored 46 of their points in the paint area and nailed 11 triples at a 42 per cent clip.

The Kiwis outrebounded Japan by a whopping 45-21 margin – including 15 offensive boards – and paced Japan with 18 assists to the hosts' seven.

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The Kiwi’s defence was equally impressive, holding Japan to just 38.7 per cent shooting from the field on 24 made shots, and a dismal 8/35 effort from behind the arc.

The Tall Blacks head to Istanbul, Turkey to continue their preparation tour leading up to the FIBA World Cup. 

Their next friendly games will be at the FIBA SuperCup in Germany, beginning with a game against Canada on August 13.