Tall Ferns out of World Cup contention
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The Tall Ferns have completed their World Cup Qualifying Tournament without success after a 77-61 loss to hosts Puerto Rico.
New Zealand had to beat Puerto Rico by 24 points or more to qualify for the 2026 Basketball Women's World Cup in Berlin later this year, which was always going to be a big task against the world's 13th-ranked side.
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The Ferns ranked 21st, had faced their opponents once previously when Puerto Rico beat them by two goals at an Olympic qualifying tournament in 2024.
The young Tall Ferns side were without a number of players who are on college basketball duty in the United States. Three players made their debuts in San Juan.
New Zealand had suffered losses to the USA, Italy, Senegal, and Spain already in their group.
The Tall Ferns put up a strong showing in the first quarter, which they won 21-12. The hosts then took the initiative in the second period to nudge ahead of New Zealand 40-38 at half-time.
The Tall Ferns stayed close to Puerto Rico in the third quarter before being restricted to just seven points in the final spell.
Experienced Tall Fern Sharne Robati scored 13 points and 10 rebounds, to go along with four assists while Ella Tofaeono top-scored with 17 points including five rebounds
New Zealand head coach Natalie Hurst said, despite the results, she was happy with the grit shown by the players.
"I'm just proud of our girls for fighting every game, showing up every game for each other, getting better, chipping away and staying together as a strong unit as the week went on.
You know, tough times for us, but the honour that they have wearing the black jersey is so high," said Hurst.
