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ISTANBUL: Russia set up a quarter-final appearance with the United States after taking a physical approach to beat New Zealand 78-56 at the world basketball championships on Monday.
Russia looked sluggish in the opening minutes, of their last 16 tie, allowing the New Zealanders to race out to a 9-2 lead.
But they quickly found their range to be just two behind, 15-13 at the end of the quarter.
Russia became much more physical in the second-quarter frustrating the New Zealanders who could not get off any of their shots. Subsequently Russia were able to take the lead, pulling ahead by as much eight.
The frustration finally reached boiling point in the final minute as the game looked to get out of hand when Russian captain Sergey Monya and Mika Vukona nearly came to blows. The tussle resulted in an unsporting foul for Monya.
Following the tussle New Zealand was able to take back some of the control over the game to be behind by just four point (31-27) at half-time.
New Zealand's Kirk Penney topped all scoring in the first half with eight points while Fridzon Vitaliy led Russia with seven points.
Penney has been the star of New Zealand, carrying his team at this tournament to date but when he was handed his fourth personal foul early in the third quarter it was time for someone else to step up for New Zealand.
The situation became dimmer for New Zealand soon after Mika Vukona soon after also handed his fourth foul, placing New Zealand in the penalty with over five minutes remaining in the quarter.
Unfortunately for the New Zealanders no one would fall their shoes, dampening hopes of a New Zealand comeback as Russia took a 51-40 lead into the final period.
When Casey Frank was handed his fourth foul and Vukona fouling out with over seven minutes remaining, New Zealand lost their way with Russia pulling out to win 78-56.
Andrey Vorontsevich ended as the best of the Russian with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Penney was the best of the New Zealanders with 21 points.
- AFP/de
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