Tall Blacks go down fighting to LithuaniaROSS GILBIN/FAIRFAX NZ Mika Vukona was one of the Tall Blacks' best in the 88-58 loss to Lithuania. The Tall Blacks have gone down 88-58 to Lithuania overnight on Wednesday in their final preparation game before the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila next month. By contrast the Tall Blacks were shooting at just 35 per cent from the field and made just 3 of 10 from deep. Again the Tall Blacks were throwing everything at the home side, but each time they mounted a run, the class of the Lithuanians shone through with their response. The Tall Blacks found themselves behind 8-0 in the opening two minutes but responded with an 8-0 run of their own to level it up but such was the nature of the game, Lithuania always seemed to have another run in them to extend each time the New Zealanders drew close.

Source: Stuff June 29, 2016 20:01 UTC