Tall Blacks in charge as Penney cuts loose
Waikato Times; Hamilton, New Zealand; Jul 9, 2002;

Kirk Penney bagged a swag of three-pointers in New Plymouth last night to power the Tall Blacks to a 92-78 basketball victory and a 2- 1 series lead over Hungary.

Penney, who was instrumental in his team's dramatic comeback victory in the first test last Friday, last night also showed a wide repertoire as he sank 31 points -- the vast majority on drives to the basket.

The five-match series moves to Nelson tomorrow night and the last in Christchurch on Friday.

Although New Zealand have got off to the better start in each of the three tests so far, this was the first time they had sustained it, coach Tab Baldwin said.

"We jumped on them pretty hard pretty early.

"We knew we had to take the ball to the basket.

"We weren't playing a style of basketball that allowed the referees any chance of getting involved in the game, so we took it to the rim and made their big men play some defence for a change."

Penney's stint at Wisconsin University has transformed him into a true triple threat capable of shooting long threes, driving the lane or posting up smaller counterparts.

Last night, the Taranaki fans were treated to a bit of all three, but mostly the second.

"I don't have a preference at all," Penney said. "Whatever the defence gives me, I'll take."

Baldwin called American-born Kenny Stone into the lineup for his Tall Blacks debut.

The veteran forward was asked to keep out Hungarian star Kornel David who had scored 31 points in Palmerston North two days earlier and was a handsome success, allowing the four-team NBA performer just 13 points last night.

Penney and Stone, with seven rebounds each, led a Tall Black rebounding effort that achieved a substantial 44-34 edge on the boards and reversed previous trends.

The New Zealanders rocketed to an early lead that they never surrendered.

Penney had 16 points in the third quarter as his team put on 14 unanswered points, took the quarter 31-19 and blew the lead out to 25 points.

Hungarian guard Tamas Kaman was the prime threat, shooting 24 points.

Nelson centre Ed Book provided a strong inside presence from the start and also shot a pair of three-pointers in his 21 points.

Baldwin hinted his injured captain Pero Cameron may play in Nelson tomorrow night.

Cameron has struggled with a calf tear for the past two months and was relieved of the captaincy as he concentrated on regaining fitness.

He has made great progress over the past few days and a training session yesterday suggested he was nearly ready.

His return will depend on a doctor's clearance.