HIROSHIMA, Japan, Aug 23 - Burly Pero Cameron hit for 23 points, including 21 in the second half, as New Zealand rallied past Japan 60-57 at the world basketball championship on Wednesday, keeping alive their hopes of advancing.

Having lost their opening three games, the Tall Blacks stepped onto the court needing a victory and left it late, Kirk Penney nailing a game-winning three-pointer with 35 seconds to play, stunning the capacity crowd at the Green Arena.

With Spain, Angola and Germany having already secured a top four finish in Group B, Japan, New Zealand and Panama will enter the final preliminary round games on Thursday battling for the final spot and a trip to the knockout round in Saitama.

The contest marked the return of Tall Blacks starting guard Mark Dickel, who sat out New Zealand's first three contests because of a drugs suspension.

Dickel's return appeared to have little impact as New Zealand trailed by 18 at the intermission but he made a key contribution during their second half rally hitting three clutch foul shots that trimmed Japan's lead to just two points.

"Just to be out there was awesome," said Dickel, who was suspended after testing positive for cannabis during a series against Australia last month. "It was killing me to watch from the sidelines.

"I'm just glad my first game back was a win.

"I respect their (world basketball federation) decision. It could have been worse and at least I got a chance to play."

Having reached the final four of last world championship in 2002, the Tall Blacks put their experience to good use in a nerve jangling final quarter.

Down by 12 entering the final quarter, New Zealand looked headed for the exit until Cameron hit three consecutive three-pointers to cut the deficit to 52-48.

Dickel then hit three free throws as jittery Japan let the win slowly slip away, Penney securing the victory with an arching winner from the left corner.

"We did what we had to do," said Cameron. "But it will all be for nothing if we don't win tomorrow."

New Zealand will play win-less Panama in their final group clash while Japan has the unenviable task of taking on unbeaten Spain. Angola and Germany meet in the other contest.