The 2degrees Tall Ferns have picked up an impressive win in the third and final game of the FIBA World Cup Pre-Qualifiers in Mexico City, downing Mozambique 79-63 behind a dominant second quarter – and the dominating play of Lauren Whittaker and Esra McGoldrick.
After leading by just two points at the end of the first, the Kiwis went on a tear; outscoring Mozambique 30-18 while nailing five triples in the second – McGoldrick shining with 13 points & 11 rebounds at the break. Then it was Whittaker’s turn to take over, as she scored 16 of her 27 points in the second half to help secure the gutsy win.
New Zealand was led by Whittaker’s 27 points and 8 rebounds, with McGoldrick adding 15 points while pulling down an incredible 18 rebounds (5 offensive). McKenna Dale added 12 points & 7 rebounds, Bailey Flavell 8 and Ella Fotu 7; Ritorya adding 10 rebounds & 5 assists to her 3 points. Penina Davidson and Tera Reed sat this game out due to injury.
For Mozambique, Ingvild Mucauro who had 14 points and 5 steals, while Chanaya Pinto added 13 and Carla Covane scored 12.
As expected, the Tall Ferns dominated on the glass – with a whopping 65-32 advantage, including 18 offensive boards. The Kiwis also out-shot Mozambique 42% to 31%, although Mozambique had an 16-8 advantage in steals – which led to a 21-12 advantage in points off turnovers.
Following the game, 2degrees Tall Ferns Coach, Natalie Hurst says that she loved what she saw from her team on the court tonight.
“I think we got better and better every game, our first game against Montenegro was our first hit-out with this particular group, and we just kept building,” says Hurst.
“Unlucky for us last night [losing to Mexico], but to come out today without two starters and to finish as strong as we did – it’s extremely pleasing and a great way to walk away from this tournament.”
McGoldrick says that the squad focussed on both improving in, and learning from, each game of the tournament.
“Just building [up each game] and after having those two previous games – for us to just to come out here today and compete is what we wanted to do,” says McGoldrick.
“It’s a new group as [Coach] Nat said so it’s about building on each game and getting better. Tonight we put a few of the puzzle pieces together – and we came out tonight and just gave it everything.”
Coach Hurst says that she is excited to see what the Tall Ferns will look like in the future, given the play of this squad’s youngest athletes during the tournament – Bailey Flavell and Pahlyss Hokianga.
“We see [Bailey and Pahlyss] as future Tall Ferns, and we’re trying to speed up their [development] to get them ready to be part of the squad full-time. So it’s a great opportunity for them to come in; for 16 and 17-year-olds to come out and hold their own in three tough games – it’s extremely pleasing and it’s exciting for basketball in New Zealand moving forward.”
This is the final game for the 2degrees Tall Ferns at the FIBA World Cup Pre-Qualifiers, with New Zealand’s next chance to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup coming at next year’s FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. Thank you girls for representing New Zealand with honour!
Stats:
New Zealand 79 – L. Whittaker 27 PTS & 8 REB | McGoldrick 15 PTS & 18 REB | Dale 12 PTS & 7 REB | Bailey 8PTS | Fotu 7 PTS | Tofaeono 4 PTS | Tamilo 3 PTS & 10 REB & 5 AST | C. Whittaker 3 PTS
Mozambique 63 – Mucauro 14 PTS & 5 STL, Pinto 13 PTS, Covane 12 PTS.
Quarter scores: 14-12, 44-30, 64-50, 79-63
Full box score: https://bbnz.link/WCPQ_NZLvMOZ
FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifier 2024, Mexico
Tuesday 20 August, 11.30am NZT – Montenegro vs New Zealand (lost 64-88)
Thursday 22 August, 2.30pm NZT – New Zealand vs Mexico (lost 64-71)
Friday 23 August, 11.30am NZT – Mozambique vs New Zealand (won 79-63)
2degrees Tall Ferns Squad of 12, FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifier 2024
McKenna Dale, Whai (Tauihi)
Penina Davidson, Keilor Thunder (NBL1) / Northern Kahu (Tauihi)
Bailey Flavell, Harbour Basketball Association
Ella Fotu, Perth Eastern Suns (NBL1)
Pahlyss Hokianga, Basketball Hawkes Bay
Esra McGoldrick, Casey Cavaliers (NBL1) / Mainland Pouakai (Tauihi)
Tera Reed, Keilor Thunder (NBL1)
Ashlee Strawbridge, West Adelaide Bearcats (NBL1)
Ritorya Tamilo, University of Hawaii (US)
Ella Tofaeono, Townsville Flames (NBL1) / UC Pirates (WNBL)
Charlotte Whittaker, South West Metro Pirates (NBL1)
Lauren Whittaker, Gonzaga University (US
