Trans-Tasman hoops series sweeps loom
- NZ Sports Wire
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Offence remained a challenge as the Tall Blacks and Tall Ferns lost their trans-Tasman Throwdown series to Australia.
The Tall Blacks fell 92-67 to the Boomers in Game 2 at the Sunshine Coast’s UniSC Arena, while the Tall Ferns were no match for the Opals, going down 98-57.
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The Boomers kept the Tall Blacks in check thanks to teen Austin Rapp and Harry Wessels who dominated down low to help the home side to a 18-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Boomers continued their defensive dominance, shutting down the Tall Blacks' attack and ending the quarter, with Todd Blanchfield hitting two three-pointers, extending their lead to 42-28 at halftime.
The Tall Blacks started the third quarter with renewed energy, taking advantage of the Boomers being a little stagnent. Taylor Britt led the charge, scoring a game-high 19 points and bringing the score difference to 10 heading into the final quarter.
Despite a strong start in the fourth quarter, the Tall Blacks lost momentum as Harry Wessels pulled in seven rebounds and three blocks.
The Tall Blacks' turnovers proved costly, allowing the Boomers to capitalize and secure a 92-67 victory in game three of the Trans-Tasman Throwdown.
Key players included Xavier Cooks for the Boomers and Taylor Britt for the Tall Blacks, both delivering standout performances.
Australian Boomers 92 (Xavier Cooks 16, Elijah Pepper 12, Todd Blanchfield 11) Tall Blacks 67 (Taylor Britt 19, Shea Ili 18). 1Q: 18-10, HT: 42-28, 3Q: 60-50
The Tall Ferns started strong, with Sharne Robati continuing her impressive form from Wednesday night.
Stephanie Reid also made an immediate impact, scoring a quick three points and providing an assist.
Despite a tight first quarter, the Tall Ferns faced challenges with fouls and turnovers, allowing the Opals to pull ahead to a 29-10 lead.
In the second quarter New Zealnad struggled to score against the Opals' strong defence as the home side stormed to a 33-point lead at halftime 57-35
The Tall Ferns came out with renewed purpose in the third quarter. Esra McGoldrick added five points to the scoreline, Bailey Flavell continued to hustle and McKenna Dale hit a corner trey. The New Zealanders managed to close the gap, winning the quarter 21-18.
However, much like in game one of the series the Opals finished strong for a 98-57 victory.
Standout performances for the Opals included an a great all-round performance from Maddi Rocci, Alex Fowler with a 15 points, and Duke Blue Devil alum Miela Sowah, who continued her sharp-shooting form, also with 15 points.
Robati and McGoldrick once again led from the front for the Tall Ferns, combining for 25 of the team’s 57 points.
The dead-rubber Game 3s of the series are at Hamilton’s Globox Arena on Sunday, Tall Blacks-Boomers at 2.10pm and Tall Ferns-Opals at 4.10pm.
Australian Opals 98 (Fowler 15, Sowah 15, Rocci 13) defeat the 2degrees Tall Ferns 57 (Sharne Robati 14, Esra McGoldrick 11). 1Q: 29-10, HT: 57-25, 3Q: 75-46
