8 Jul 2016

Tall Blacks lose to France at Olympic qualifier

8:21 am on 8 July 2016

The New Zealand men's basketball team has blown an eight halftime lead to lose 59-66 to France in their final pool match at the last chance Olympic qualifying tournament in the Philippines.

Both sides through have already qualified for tomorrow night's semi-finals with the Tall Blacks to play Canada for a place in the final.

Despite loss coach Tall Blacks Paul Henare says the tight loss to the fifth ranked French team will boost their confidence.

Guard Corey Webster scored a game high 21 points for the Tall Blacks.

Corey Webster led the scoring for the Tall Blacks.

Corey Webster led the scoring for the Tall Blacks. Photo: Photosport

The Tall Blacks are ranked 21st in the world and Canada 26.

Only the tournament winner will qualify for Rio.