The second international of the Christchurch Casino International Women’s Basketball Series between Japan and the Tall Ferns was played at Cowles Stadium, Christchurch on Friday night and once again Japan proved too strong for the Tall Ferns winning 93-66.The Japanese, ranked 15th in the world gave a fine exhibition in offensive ball movement turning any Kiwi mistake into a scoring opportunity. The visitors shot an efficient 54% from the field (37/69) and a highly respectable 41% (7/17) from behind the three point arc.
Following some experimentation with the starting line up in the first international on Wednesday coach Kennedy Kereama reverted to a more experienced starting five for game two. The veteran trio of Micaela Cocks, Lisa Wallbutton and Natalie Taylor were joined by young guns Penina Davidson and Kalani Purcell. In other team news Megan Craig and Jess Bygate were omitted from the playing 12 as the 14 player squad was trimmed to a dozen.
A Cocks triple followed by baskets from Wallbutton and Taylor hinted at a promising start by the Tall Ferns but the home side was overhauled late in the period. Seven turnovers in the stanza gifted Japan some easy transition baskets and they led 22-15 at quarter time.
The second quarter proved extremely costly for the Tall Ferns as they gave up 25 points and could only muster thirteen of their own. Kalani Purcell (8 points and 4 rebounds in the half) was a shining light for the hosts but more turnovers and precise shooting by the Japanese gave the visitors a massive 47-28 half time advantage.
The Tall Ferns did manage parity in the third quarter with Davidson and Wallbutton prominent but the margin was still 20 points, 67-47 entering the final period
Despite the scoreline the Tall Ferns didn’t drop their heads and their spirit was typified by Samara Gallaher diving on a loose ball late in the game. Jacinta Beckley scored her first points in international basketball in the fourth quarter but the result was never in doubt, Japan easing to a comfortable win.
Forwards Davidson (13pts /9 rebs) and Wallbutton 12 pts/8rebs) worked tirelessly for the Kiwis as did point guard Cocks (11pts/5rebs/5assists). Purcell was the other Tal Fern in double figures, once again providing some classy moments on the way to 12 points, 5 rebounds 3 assists and a pair of steals.
Kereama remained upbeat after the game.
“There were plenty of positives to come out of the game but 93 points is way too many to give up in international basketball. We will watch the game tape and make some adjustments for the game in Ashburton on Sunday.”
He scoffed at the idea of resting players with the Australian series just eight days away.
“We need to get in winning mode!”
