Tall Blacks Through To Rio Qualifier Semi-Finals

Phase one is complete for the Tall Blacks, with an 89-80 win over the Philippines putting them through to the semi-finals of the Olympic basketball qualifier in Manila.

Tai Webster's top scored with 25 points, while his brother Corey had 23.

Coach Paul Henare said they had lots of options on attack.

"Tai Webster obviously was outstanding and his brother Corey. Tom [Abercrombie], he steps up at crucial times. I think it was our most balanced performance of the campaign as well."

But Henare said everyone made contributions.

"If we can be multi-faceted in terms of how we play, it makes us so much tougher to guard."

Henare said they had to weather the storm a couple of times.

"Anytime you get a crowd like that, in a game like that, it means so much to the home team. They're going to make runs. The guys did a really good job of just staying the moment and absorbing some of that pressure that the Philippines were putting on us."

It means New Zealand will go through to the semi-finals of the six team tournament, and play France overnight to decide who will be the top seed in the final four.

Only the winner of the event will go to Rio.

Radio Sport