New Zealand deals Canada another loss at Worlds

Izmir, Turkey (Sports Network) - Kirk Penney scored 18 points to lead New Zealand to a 71-61 victory over winless Canada at the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

Casey Frank added 14 points for the Kiwis, who improved to 2-2 in Group D play and sent Canada to its fourth loss in as many tries. New Zealand will advance to the second round.

Jevohn Shepherd paced Canada with 15 points and Joel Anthony of the Miami Heat added 13 in defeat.

New Zealand built a 35-28 lead at halftime and opened a 13-point advantage in the third quarter before Canada trimmed the deficit to 47-41 heading to the fourth. The Canadians closed to within four early in the final period, but New Zealand slowly pulled away and led by as many as 11 in the final minute.

Canada will conclude preliminary round play on Thursday against Spain.

Also on Wednesday, Russia topped China in Group C, 89-80, while Serbia thumped Australia in Group A, 94-79, behind 14 points and 10 rebounds from Nenad Krstic, and Croatia pounded Tunisia in Group B, 84-64.