NANJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo inspired Greece to a 103-97 victory over New Zealand in Group F here on Thursday, seeing his side through to the second round of the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Antetokounmpo notched a team-high 24 points with 10 rebounds and six assists. New Zealand's sharpshooter Corey Webster posted a match-leading 31 points but couldn't save his team from defeat.
Antetokounmpo started as he meant to go on, scoring seven consecutive points with thunderous dunks and a three-point jump shot that lit up the packed stadium.
However, New Zealand soon rallied, answering with a 10-0 run led by their guard Webster to keep them in the game. But when he was out, his teammates had too many turnovers and wasted their advantage.
Milwaukee Bucks star Antetokounmpo was clever enough to use his offense as bait and gave assists as the second quarter ended 51-44, but the Kiwis had battled hard with Webster in inspired form, shooting eight of 11 and garnering 21 points.
Greece continued to pour on the pressure by attacking the rim in the second half. Antetokounmpo maintained his immense form to thrash New Zealand's defense and lead his team to establish a double digit lead.
New Zealand rallied in the final minutes, with four players tallying double figures, but it was too little, too late.
Greece's win sees them finish second in Group F, and they will now face the top two sides in Group E in the tournament's second round.
