New Zealand escapes Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Jordan in OT

New Zealand survived the comeback attempt of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Jordan, 95-87, in overtime on Monday in the 2023 FIBA World Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The former PBA Best Import scored Jordan's last nine points in regulation, including a four-point play with 10 seconds left to force a tie and the extra period.

RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON.
38 POINTS.
AND-ONE THREE-POINTER TO SEND IT TO OVERTIME.#FIBAWC x #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/i5qW7E6fAI

— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 ???? (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2023

But the Kiwis took care of business in overtime to come away with the victory.

New Zealand led by as much as 12 points, 42-30, at the 2:40 mark of the second period before they ended the first half at 46-37 in their favor.

Izayah Le'afa paced New Zealand with 23 points, while Shea Ili registered a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. 

Hollis-Jefferson, on the other hand, had 39 points, the highest scoring output of a player in a single game as of writing. He also posted nine rebounds and four assists.

Jordan is one of the Asian teams competing in the World Cup along with the Philippines, China, Japan, Iraq, and Lebanon. The Asian team with the best standings will have a slot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

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This is New Zealand’s first win following a loss against the United States last Saturday.

—JMB, GMA integrated News