The Tall Blacks have beaten Jordan 95-87 in overtime in their second game at the men's Basketball World Cup in the Philippines.
New Zealand now have a win and a loss, and remain in contention for the second round. After trailing by eight points into the final quarter, Jordan stormed back late in the period to level the scores.
Overtime belonged to New Zealand, as they outscored Jordan 10-2 to seal their first win of the tournament. Izayah Le'afa led the Kiwis with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals off the bench, hitting 4/8 from downtown - including a dagger three in overtime.
Shea Ili was also dominant with his 15 points and 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 nine rebounds for Jordan.
Coach Pero Cameron is impressed with how his team responded in overtime.
"We knew it was going to be tough, as we always have tough games against Jordan," he said. "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. 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 has praised 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 Tall Blacks face Greece on Thursday, who were beaten 109-81 by the USA in the group's other game last night. The winners of that game will join the USA in the second round.
"It is obviously win or go home, so come Wednesday night, we're looking forward to that battle and we're excited," said Le'afa.
New Zealand lost 99-72 to the USA in their opening game.
