Angola defeated New Zealand in Cup opening

　　JULY 28

　　Sinasports-This year's Stankovic Continental Champions Cup unveiled on 28th July in Guangzhou, China. In the opening game, Team Angola the African champion defeated Team New Zealand by 67-55, according to Sina Sports.

　　Although occupying the unique position on the African Continent, Team Angola was inhibited by the Team New Zealand at the beginning due to the rusty teamwork. At the end of the second period, Team New Zealand kept ahead by 30-23. Then, for the illegal offense committed by Penney, Vagas of Angola scored two points via free throw which dwindle the gap. Afterwards the Team New Zealand, committed more fouls and turnovers leading to fielding no goals. While New Zealand missed the last offensive chance, Team Angola chased up with their efforts by 27-30 at the end of first half.

　　And in the second half, Angola gradually found the soaring feeling and swiftly overturned the situation. Frank of the Angola tapped in from the left side which made New Zealand leading by 36-29. Yet, the charging foul committed by Romero provided chances of free throw for the Team Angola. Though, fielding one goal, Mariga snatched the offensive rebound and threw the ball into the hoop. And this three-point play lessened the gap to four points. Romero and Frank then made their hoops which eventually brought the tie by 36-36.

　　Penney of the Team New Zealand scored one point by free throw made New Zealand ahead of Angola for the last time. Mariga hit three straight basket and led Team Angola achieving a 6-0 run which made them surpassed by 42-37.

　　Angola led ahead with 8 points, whereas New Zealand survived from the last round defeat. Three minutes before the end, Angola kept ahead by 55-50. But at the crucial moment, Camero of Team New Zealand hit a three-point shot which lessened the gap to 2 points. However, Angola was not affected as Almeida scored three points as well. It was hard to tell the victory or defeat before the end.

　　At last, Team Angola presented their African champion's real power scoring frequently and the final three-point shot broadened the gap by 63-54, which rendered Team New Zealand low-spirited. Compared with numerous turnovers of Team New Zealand resulting in low scoring, Team Angola seized every opportunity to field goals and finally kept ahead with widened gap. And Team New Zealand seems to disable threatening Angola's triumph anymore.

　　(jewel)