New Zealand thwarted repeated rallies by Gilas Pilipinas to hack out an 89-80 win on the second day of the 2015 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and dash the hopes of the Philippines to Rio.
It was a different Philippine team this time around, struggling to find their rhythm against the Kiwis. The host team managed to make just 41% of their field goals against the Tall Blacks.
Gilas was able to whittle down the Tall Blacks lead to a solitary point, 60-59 in the fourth quarter. But a big finishing kick anchored on Tom Abercrombie, Isaac Fotu, and the Webster brothers was all the Kiwis needed as they outscored the Filipinos, 29-21.
Tai Webster starred for the Tall Blacks, collecting 25 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists. New Zealand will next face France tomorrow with the winner entering the semifinals as the top seed for Group B.
In the other match, Canada escaped a stubborn Senegal squad (58-55) to advance to the semifinals. Senegal had a golden chance to pull off a stunner following a three-pointer by Maurice Ndour to whittle down the Canada lead to 2 (55-53).
Following a missed offensive by Canada, Clevin Hannah opted for a three point shot with about 21 seconds remaining which failed to go in. After a Canada split from the free throw stripe, Hannah hoisted another trey that failed to go in as well.