In another low-scoring affair at the Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Guadalajara, the 2degrees Tall Ferns have fallen just short of completing their fourth quarter comeback against Brazil, falling 53-56 to the South American powerhouses.
Another close first half saw the Tall Ferns locked level with the Brazillians, with Gonzaga center Lauren Whittaker carrying most of the scoring load, with 15 points in the half.
Brazil owned the third quarter, opening the period on a 13-2 run to create a bit of breathing space. Emme Shearer and Pahlyss Hokianga each knocked down triples with under a minute to go in the quarter to close the gap to seven points at the turn of the third quarter.
That momentum seemed to spill over to the fourth quarter, as the Kiwi’s looked to close the gap further. Lauren Whittaker, on her way to a monster 21 point, 11 rebound double-double, continues to make her presence felt down low.
But it was Shearer’s 8 points in the clutch time, that got the Tall Ferns within touching distance. After subbing in for fellow Portland Pilot, Flo Dallow, Shearer’s immediate impact was felt when she knocked down a triple, closing the gap to just 3.
Brazil’s Bella Nascimento, Iza Sangalli and Aaliyah Guyton all scoring to extend the lead back out to six, before Shearer’s converted an incredible four-point play attempt, cutting the lead again to three.
However, Brazil would fend off the New Zealand fightback, escaping the grasp of the Tall Ferns and coming out winners, 56-53.
“We wanted to keep improving from yesterday, but it was a bit of a rough start for us. Found it hard to put the ball in the basket, which is never helps.”
Coach Nat Hurst although disappointed in the Ferns slow start, praising the fight and stick-to-it-tiveness of the group this afternoon.
“Credit to our group, we didn’t give up. We know that margins matter, so the girls fought till the end. We just have to have that aggression at the start of the game, rather than waiting till we’ve dug ourselves a hole, but again to be able to give ourselves a chance to maybe win this game is pretty pleasing for me.”
Tayla Dalton again praising the 2degrees Tall Ferns efforts on the defensive end of the floor.
“I think defensively, keeping an international team to 56 is pretty good. But we have to figure out ways to put the ball in the bucket.”
The 2degrees Tall Ferns will have a day-off, before taking on South Sudan on Friday morning at 8:45am (NZT).
2degrees Tall Ferns 53 (L.Whittaker 21p, 11r, Shearer 13p, Hokianga 6p) defeated by Brazil 56 (Guyton 18p, Nascimento 10p, Oliveira 9p).
Q1: NZL 8 – 12 BRA
HT: NZL 22 – 22 BRA
Q3: NZL 36 – 41 BRA
FT: NZL 53 – 56 BRA
