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New Zealand overcomes Mexico to retain Stankovic Cup title

Xinhua, August 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

New Zealand edged Mexico 70-66 here on Friday, lifting up the Stankovic Cup trophy again after winning their first title in 2011.

Corey Webster made two crucial free-throws with six seconds to go, when Mexico tried foul strategy just two points down.

Mexico led 20-17 by the first quarter with six players scoring. New Zealand took the lead at 31-30 by the second quarter with Corey Webster's highlighting performance.

The 26-year-old forward already pocketed 22 points to keep New Zealand still lead by a single point at the end of third quarter.

The game finally seemed to come out with a winner with 15.6 seconds to go, New Zealand leading 68-63. But a silly foul gifted the Mexicans three free-throws, and Justin Griffin made all three home. Mexico's foul strategy was in vain after Webster made both free-throws with 6 seconds to go.

China, in a match for third place earlier of the day, squandered a 14-point advantage over Venezuela by the third quarter. Tao Hanlin missed the winner with 12 seconds to go when the scoreline was tied at 68-68. Windi Graterol fired a winning three-pointer at the final second to gift the Venezuelans a sensational victory over the hosts.

"To be here the second time, I feel so embarrassed," said Venezuela's coach Jorge Arrieta, who led the team to beat China twice in their home country.

"China is a great team. It is not easy for us. We play very great defense, we were down by 14, but we came back to win the game." Endi