The New Zealand U17 Women’s team have fallen 59-74 today to an impressive Samoa side, in their opening game of the FIBA U17 Oceania Champs in Papua New Guinea.
After the Kiwis lead 21-18 after one, Samoa tied up the game at the half on the strength of their superior shooting, inside play and rebounding. A dominant second half for Samoa saw the Junior Tall Ferns held to just 10 and 12 points in the remaining quarters; limiting the Kiwis to 3/17 in the pivotal third quarter where the momentum swung heavily against New Zealand.
Samoa stretched the lead out to 15 in the final minutes, going on to record their first ever win over a New Zealand women’s basketball team.
Kavanah Lene led the NZ U17 Women’s side with 17 points & 7 rebounds, while Rebecca Moors had a double-double with 11 points & 11 rebounds (including 8 on the offensive end). Tia Pavihi added 9 points & 5 steals, Kaelani Albert-Neha 8 and Arna Bright with 7 points and 8 rebounds.
For Samoa, Malia Ruud was dominant with 26 points on 10/16 shooting along with 14 rebounds, while Azaleeah Oloapu added 14 and 14; Kira-May Oloapu with 13 points and 7 rebounds.
Samoa dominated New Zealand inside, scoring 38 points in the paint and 42% overall, versus just 16 points inside for the Kiwis and 25% shooting (20/80). Samoa’s victory came despite their squad recording 25 turnovers on the night – thanks to 19 steals by New Zealand – and allowing the Kiwis to grab 27 offensive boards. Samoa won the overall rebounding battle 61-49.
Two areas of improvement for New Zealand will be their outside shooting – after sinking just 6/35 from downtown at a 17% clip – and free throw, with the squad hitting 13-24 from the line (54%). The team also generated just 6 assists from their 20 made field goals on the night; a mark they should easily surpass in their future games.
New Zealand take on Australia tomorrow night (Wednesday) from 7.45pm NZT. Watch live at: www.youtube.com/fiba
Stats:
New Zealand 59 – Lene 17 PTS & 7 REBS | Moors 11 PTS & 11 REBS | Pavihi 9 PTS & 5 STL | Albert-Neha 8 PTS | Bright 7 PTS & 8 REB | Lassey 3 PTS | Gilbert 3 PTS | Scott 1 PT
Samoa 74 – Ruud 26 PTS & 14 REB | Oloapu 14 PTS & 14 REB | Oloapu 13 PTS & 7 REB
Box Score: http://bbnz.link/U17WNZLvSAM
Quarter scores: 21-18, 37-37, 47-59, 59-74
FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Championships – NZ Results
3 Oct – NZL vs Samoa (LOST 59-74)
4 Oct – NZL vs Australia, 7.45pm NZT
5 Oct – NZL vs Papua New Guinea, 7.45pm, NZT
U17 Oceania Champs – NZ U17 Women’s Squad
- Kaelani Albert-Neha, Waikato Basketball
- Arna Bright, Taranaki Basketball
- Elise Carline, Basketball Otago
- Elise Gilbert, Waikato basketball
- Katie Harrington, Outside of NZ
- Waiheke Kohunui, Rotorua Basketball
- Olivia Lassey, Tauranga City Basketball
- Tannika Leger-Walker, Waikato Basketball
- Kavanah Lene, Canterbury Basketball
- Rebecca Moors, Harbour Basketball
- Tia Pavihi, Wellington Basketball
- Annika Scott, Outside NZ
- Amy Pateman was selected for this squad, but was forced to withdraw due to injury
