The third and final international of the Christchurch Casino International Women’s Basketball Series between Japan and the Tall Ferns was played at EA Networks Centre, Ashburton on Sunday. Following attendances of about 1,000 at each of the games in Christchurch the full house signs were in evidence in Ashburton for the first basketball international played in the town. The Tall Ferns gave a much improved display but ultimately came up short losing 81-73 in a game that was tight throughout.
In team news Josie Stockill was released to play for Colgate University, her American college currently touring New Zealand and playing games against representative teams in Auckland and her native Hawkes Bay. Jacinta Beckley was the other player omitted from the squad of 14.
Coach Kennedy Kereama began with the five players that are almost certain to start against Australia next Saturday in Melbourne. Penina Davidson and Lisa Wallbutton began in the forward spots, Micaela Cocks occupied the point guard position and sisters Natalie Taylor and Kalani Purcell completed the backcourt.
The first quarter was nip and tuck, the Japanese claiming the last four points of the period to lead 18-15.
The Tall Ferns played their best basketball of the series in the second quarter as they kept pace with the 15th ranked nation in the world, then inspired by a Jess Bygate cameo drew level 37 apiece at half time, scoring the last 6 points of the period. Bygate, inspired by her own vociferous fan club claimed 6 points and 3 rebounds. New Zealand led the rebounding count at the break 21-16 and shot the ball at a handy 41%
The Tall Ferns gained the ascendancy, albeit briefly in the third period leading 45-43 courtesy of Davidson free throws. Jordan Hunter scored late in the period as the Tall Ferns closed the quarter just three points adrift, 60-57.
When Natalie Taylor scored consecutive baskets with under 3 minutes to play the Tall Ferns could dream of an upset win against the Asian champions, the home team trailed 72-74 but appeared to have momentum in their favour. A Wallbutton free-throw then cancelled out an identical score from Japan before diminutive point guard Rui Machida took control of the game for the visitors.
Twice she sliced through the Tall Ferns defense and then calmly sunk two free throws as she scored the last six points of the game to give Japan a 3-0 sweep of the series.
The Tall Ferns led the rebounding count 47-36 with Purcell, Wallbutton and Davidson each securing double-digit numbers on the boards. However Japan edged the important scoring stats shooting 44% from the floor compared with 39% by the hosts.
With the New Zealand section of their Olympic qualifying campaign completed the team now head to Melbourne leaving on a dawn flight tomorrow. There they will enter a five-day training camp before taking on the Australian Opals in a two game series. The first game is in Melbourne on Saturday, the second in Tauranga 48 hours later.
The home fixture will be played at ASB Arena, Tauranga on Monday August 17th, tip off 7.30pm.
Final score;
Tall Ferns 73 -Taylor 14p, Wallbutton 13p/13r, Cocks 12p, Bygate 10p, Davidson 9p/12r, Purcell 8p/11r
Japan 81 – Macida 15, Yamamoto15, Shinozaki 11.
