Tall Ferns scoring spree in Indonesia win
- Dave Worsley
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
New Zealand picked themselves up and let out all their frustrations by beating Indonesia, 75-45, at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup at the Shenzhen Sports Center, China.
Still stung by that 78-76 heartbreaker at the hands of Park Jisu and South Korea 24 hours ago, the Tall Ferns ensured that none of that would happen again by taking control early - and playing consistently all the way on Tuesday.
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Both sides were even at 14-14 early on but the Tall Ferns went on a run of seven points to take the first quarter 21-14.
New Zealand started the second period the way they ended the first with another run to lead 25-14 lead with 8:58 on the clock.
And that rally proved to be the difference as New Zealand stayed ahead since, relying on their hot shooting from deep to widen the gap to 20 for the first time, 48-28, during the third canto to break away for good.
"It was a very physical game; super important for both teams ... very proud of our girls for fighting for 40 minutes, and getting a great win for New Zealand," said head coach Natalie Hurst.
Esra McGoldrick top-scored for the victors with 18 points and six rebounds, while Rebecca Pizzey registered a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds as the two spearheaded the balanced attack.
All 11 players scored in the rout, with Emme Shearer and Charlotte Whittaker finishing on 8 points apiece as the tandem played crucial roles in the aforementioned run to put themselves in the lead permanently.
"Very physical game. Just glad we actually stayed together throughout, and pulled it away towards the end," said McGoldrick, who hit three of New Zealand's 15 three-pointers in the victory.
The Tall Ferns as a whole dished 23 assists but it was their dominance on the boards as they hauled down a total of 62 rebounds compared to Indonesia's 36.
The Tall Ferns next game is against hosts China on Wednesday (tip-off 11.30pm).