POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
New Zealand - Northern Mariana Islands 93:56
New Zealand team started the Oceania championship with a confident win over Northern Mariana Islands. Five teams hit the road in the quest of the Oceania title in Saipan today. New Zealand is among the favorites and they have proved the status in the opening encounter.
The hosts were well cheered up by the local crowd but they were hardly able to match Kiwis. New Zealand surged in front early in the game. They controlled the tempo and ensured a comfortable 8-point advantage after ten minutes. The second frame proved the difference as the visitors held Northern Mariana Islands to just 4 points stretching the lead to as many as 29 points at halftime. The hosts however stayed contestant as they showed character in the third quarter. They outscored New Zealand 23:20 in the period to cut the deficit. But the Kiwis quickly struck back in the fourth quarter bruising the home team and celebrating the first win at the tournament.
Jordan Mills (-G) tallied 20 points, 5 boards and 4 assists for the winners. Hayden Miller provided 14 points and 7 rebounds for New Zealand. Jericho Cruz responded with 16 points for Northern Mariana Islands. Pete Iguel had 12 points and 6 boards in defeat.
New Zealand will face their archrivals Australia on Tuesday, while the hosts will play against Guam tomorrow.
New Zealand: Jordan Mills 20, Hayden Miller 14, Luke Aston 12+10 boards
CNMI: Jericho Cruz 16, Pete Iguel 12
