The Tall Ferns have moved to 2-0 at the William Jones Cup, beating the Korea KB All Stars 58-40 in their second match of the tournament.
The Kiwis were led by a double-double from Antonia Edmondson and 12 rebounds from Kalani Purcell as they followed up yesterday’s 75-52 win over India with another strong showing.
“It was a good win and a big improvement on yesterday,” head coach Kennedy Kereama said.
“The team responded very well to our game plan and played four quarters of very good defence.”
Knowing the Korean side would pose a stern test, the Tall Ferns made a quick start, racing out to a 20-8 first quarter lead.
Korea bounced back by winning the second quarter, as the Tall Ferns went into halftime with a slim 26-24 lead.
Edmondson was just three rebounds short of a double-double by halftime, and it didn’t take long to complete the feat after the break, as the Tall Ferns out-rebounded their opposites 26-9 in the second spell to take home the victory.
“We had one patch where we were challenged on the offensive end where shots weren’t dropping, but we held our nerve and made great adjustments,” Kereama said.
“Antonia was a standout on offence but everyone made great contributions, and everyone was great defensively.”
Five Tall Ferns collected at least three defensive rebounds, while six players recorded steals in the match, highlighting the stellar defensive display.
Purcell added eight points and three assists to her game high 12 rebounds, while Josephine Stockill put in a solid showing off the bench, with six points, four rebounds and two blocks.
Once again, Kereama was able to ensure all eleven members of the playing squad saw court time in the win, as the team builds towards the all-important Asia Cup at the end of the month.
The Tall Ferns will meet the first of two China sides tomorrow night, taking on China Blue at 10pm NZT.
