Put it on a poster: Ili's dunk ignites Tall Blacks

NBL stars Sam Waardenburg and Shea Ili both had massive moments late in New Zealand's two-point win over Iran in the second round of FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifying in the Philippines.

Ili had a thunderous poster dunk with just under five minutes remaining to give his team an early lead in overtime, then delivered several decisive plays late to guide the Tall Blacks to victory.

Melbourne United teammate Waardenburg had two big blocks with just seconds remaining to hold out Iran's final charge.

Ili finished with a game-high 24 points, 6 assists and 2 steals, while Waardenburg added 11 points, 7 rebounds, a block and a steal.

New Zealand Breakers duo Sam Mennenga (15 points, a game-high 13 rebounds) and Reuben Te Rangi (13 points, 4 rebounds, a steal) were productive off the bench, Carlin Davison logged a team-high 31:38 on court with 6 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a block, and Adelaide 36ers forward Flynn Cameron chipped in 10 points and 6 rebounds.

The win moves the Tall Blacks to fourth in Group E with a 5-2 record, as they continue their push for a top-three finish needed to advance to the next phase.

Iran 91 – New Zealand 93

Stat leaders

Shea Ili – 24 points, 6 assists, 2 steals
Sam Mennenga – 15 points, 13 rebounds, 6 offensive boards
Reuben Te Rangi – 13 points, 4 rebounds
Sam Waardenburg – 11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 blocks
Flynn Cameron – 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists