By Andrew Gourdie
In a must-win match at the Basketball World Champs for both teams, the nerves were certainly showing with neither the Tall Blacks nor the Canadians smooth on offence.
The Tall Blacks had their noses in front by the end of the first quarter, and while the Canadians lit up the highlight reel the Tall Blacks were more consistent from long range.
Casey Frank's late three-pointer gave New Zealand a seven point half time advantage, and they consolidated their lead after the break with a big effort at both ends of the court.
Tom Abercrombie summed up the Tall Blacks' commitment on defence, while Kirk Penney shook off some early cobwebs to continue his strong form at the tournament with a game high 18 points.
The Tall Blacks 71-61 victory sends the Canadians out of the tournament with their fourth straight loss.
New Zealand's next match is against France, but the Tall Blacks can now mentally prepare for a likely knockout match against either hosts Turkey or Greece.
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