Keogh's Masterclass Lifts New Zealand Over Slovenia
Liam Keogh delivered a point guard masterclass, steering New Zealand to a hard-fought 79-74 victory over Slovenia at the FIBA U17 World Cup.
In a contest where New Zealand held a lead throughout the second half, Keogh finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals, showcasing his impact on both ends. New Zealand built a 10-point lead by halftime, 43-33, and managed Slovenia's surges to enter the final quarter ahead by nine.
Despite shooting just 38% from the field (26/68) and a mere 22% from deep (6/27), New Zealand leveraged a commanding 20-12 assist advantage and kept turnovers manageable with 14 to Slovenia's 12. Zach Rampton provided crucial interior defence with 5 blocks, while Tawhiri Cate orchestrated the offence with 9 assists. Slovenia, though outrebounded, received 31 points from its bench, spearheaded by Matic Rezec's 20 points and 9 rebounds, and a double-double from Nejc Roznik (10 points, 10 rebounds). However, New Zealand's collective effort, bolstered by gritty defence, sealed the win. This victory serves as a significant statement for New Zealand within the tournament.