Hayden Jones top-scored for the Junior Tall Blacks. Photo: FIBA/Rana Elanwar
New Zealand has finished fourth at the men's under-19 basketball World Cup in Switzerland.
New Zealand was beaten 91-87 by Slovenia in the play-off for third.
The Slovenians were up by seven at quarter-time, with the New Zealanders having already lost their big man, Oscar Goodman, after only four minutes.
Slovenia were six up at half time and 11 at three-quarter time.
But the Junior Tall Blacks clawed their way back into the game and closed to within two with just a few seconds to play before Slovenia sealed the game with a couple of free throws.
Hayden Jones top the scoring with 21 points, while Tama Isaac hit 20.
The result is New Zealand's best ever at the tournament.
They have competed three previous times with their best result until today 11th in 2017.
Their effort sits alongside the Tall Blacks' fourth placing at the FIBA World Cup in 2002 and the fourth placing by the under-17 team at their World Cup last year.
"This is more than just a sporting achievement, it's a defining moment for basketball in New Zealand," Basketball NZ acting chief executive Belinda Edwards said of the team's effort to finish fourth.
"The Junior Tall Blacks have proven that we belong on the world stage. They've elevated our national identity and shown the world what Kiwi basketball is all about."
Team head coach Matt Lacey praised the team's collective strength and the emergence of standout performers.
"We've shown this week that the future is bright in New Zealand, and we've got multiple players that stepped up in different moments throughout the tournament. We've had nearly a different top scorer every game. The Tall Blacks programme is looking really strong for the future."
The USA and Germany meet in the final.
New Zealand lost 120-64 to the USA in the semi-finals.
Australia finished sixth.
