Webster Shines as New Zealand Begins Olympic Prep

Behind a strong effort by Tai Webster, New Zealand began preparations for next month’s FIBA Olympic qualifier with an 80-65 win over Belarus on Tuesday in the SJEC 2016 International Basketball Challenge in China.

Webster, the 6-foot-4 rising senior for the Huskers, led four New Zealand players with 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-2 from 3-point range. He also while adding five rebounds and team bests in both assists (three) and steals (four) in 26 minutes of work.

Tournament play continues with games against Japan on Wednesday and China on Thursday. In all, New Zealand will play a minimum of seven games before the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament next month in Manila.