The Tall Blacks have recorded a 80-65 win over Saudi Arabia in their FIBA World Cup qualifier at Dammam on Friday morning (NZ time).
The Kiwis were led by point guard Shea Ili, who posted 14 points and eight assists as part of a balanced scoring team effort, with five or more players in double figures.
Issac Fotu added 12 points and seven rebounds in a dominant showing down low, while teenager Ben Gold added 13 points and seven boards.
After leading by eight at the end of the first quarter, the Tall Blacks piled on the points in the second to give them a 55-25 lead at halftime, essentially ending the contest.
Saudi Arabia narrowed the margin with a big third-quarter push but never genuinely threatened New Zealand's advantage.
The team now returns to Auckland to take on Jordan, where they'll look to continue their unbeaten World Cup qualifying record.
The World Cup will be played in the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan next August.
New Zealand 80 (Ili 14 points, 8 assists, Gold 13 points, 7 rebounds, Fotu 12 points, 7 rebounds) Saudi Arabia 65 (Gabar 22 points, 8 rebounds, Almarwani 16 points)
