Resurgent Tall Blacks stun Belgium

Published: 9:34AM Friday July 31, 2009 Source: NZPA

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New Zealand stunned Belgium with a fourth quarter comeback to win their basketball international 83-81 in Antwerp on Friday.

Centre Alex Pledger flipped in the game-winning shot with 0.5 seconds remaining as the Tall Blacks came from 11 points down at halftime and nine points after three quarters.

Captain Kirk Penney scored 23 of his game-high 24 points in the second half, while forward Mika Vukona scored 10 of his 16 points in the fourth period, pushing New Zealand to their second win on their eight-match tour of Europe.

The early scoring came from a surprise source for the Tall Blacks as they trailed 31-42 at halftime, with little used small forward Leon Henry contributing 10 points in the opening two quarters before finishing the match with 13 points.

Belgium jumped on New Zealand from the start and led by 11 points after the first period.

Despite getting only one point from Penney in the first half, the New Zealanders were able to stay within range.

The Tall Blacks play the final match of the tour against Finland in Vantaa on Monday morning (NZT).

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