The New Zealand men's basketball team has lost to hosts China 67-79 as part of a four nations tournament in the city of Yinchuan.
With several experienced internationals unavailable coach Nenad Vucinic had to baptise three of his teenage rookies for the match against Asia's 11th-ranked side.
The Tall Blacks outscored the Chinese in the first quarter 23-20, but trailed the hosts in the remaining three periods of the match.
New Zealand will also play Russia and Angola over the coming fortnight.
