New Zealand have won their fourth-straight FIBA World Cup qualifying game, beating China 67-57 at Spark Arena in Auckland.
The Tall Blacks backed up their commanding win over Hong Kong just days earlier with solid outing against the visitors.
The game was tied at 47-all with just over a quarter remaining but New Zealand would up the ante before ultimately taking the spoils.
Forward Isaac Fotu led the way with 15 points, while Thomas Abercrombie and Rob Loe chipped in with 14 and 13 respectively.
New Zealand dominated their opponents on the stats sheet, recording more rebounds, assists steals and blocks on the much bigger Chinese team.
China found success through the brilliant shooting of Abudushalamu Abudurexiti, who shot 9/12 from the field for his 23 points on the night.
The result sees New Zealand top Pool A with 11 points, followed by China on nine and Korea on 8, who had previously beaten the Tall Blacks last year.
The Tall Blacks will now play third-placed team of Pool C, Syria on September 14, before returning to New Zealand to take on Lebanon or Jordan just a few days later.
Newshub.
