New Zealand's Izayah Le'Afa goes for a layup during the FIBA Basketball World Cup Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Tall Blacks have beaten Jordan 95-87 in overtime in their second game at the men's basketball world cup in Manila.
New Zealand now have a win and a loss and remain in contention for the second round.
After carrying an eight point lead into the final quarter, Jordan stormed back late in the period to level the scores.
However the overtime period belonged to New Zealand as they outscored Jordan 10-2 in extra time to seal their first win of the tournament.
Izayah Le'afa led the Kiwis with 23 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals off the bench.
He hit 4-8 from downtown - including a dagger three in overtime.
Shea Ili was also dominant with his 15 points & 10 assists, while Finn Delany scored 11 of his 14 points in the first quarter.
Former NBA forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson scored 39 points and 9 rebounds for Jordan.
Coach Pero Cameron was impressed with how his team responded in overtime.
Tall Blacks Head coach Pero Cameron. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"We knew it was going to be tough as we always have tough games against Jordan - they've got a great couple of players who played exceptional tonight so I'm grateful to get the win in overtime. I would have loved to have got the win earlier, but it is what it is," said Cameron.
"There's no easy games for us, especially at this level; we accept all challenges in front of us and will come out fighting [against Greece]."
Le'afa gave praise to both the coaching staff and Tall Blacks continued poise during the game.
"Obviously it was an overtime game, and I think we just trusted in the things that we did; the preparation that the coaches gave us in the scouting, and the five weeks that we built together kind of led to these moments," says Le'afa.
"This is a World Cup so we know anything can happen, we just dug deep and believed in ourselves and got the job done. We believe in ourselves and that coach will have us ready, [the next game against Greece] is obviously win or go home - so come Wednesday night we're looking forward to that battle and we're excited."
The Tall Blacks next play Greece on Thursday (morning), who were beaten 109-81 by the USA in the groups other game last night.
The winner of that game will join the USA in the second round.
New Zealand lost 99-72 to the USA in their opening game.
