The NZ U17 Women’s National Team have begun their FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a loss; falling 63-71 to Italy in a tightly fought contest.
After a triple from Keriana-Marie Hippolite bought the Kiwis to within two with less than five minutes remaining, Italy embarked on a 10-0 run to put the game away. The Italians won thanks to their superior shooting (35.4% vs 31.8%) and work on the boards – with 23 of their 59 rebounds coming on the offensive end.
New Zealand was led by Bailey Flavell’s 24 points, while Hippolite added 13 and Graecyn Parahi 9; Chanel Enriquez-Paea adding 6 and Olivia Hastings with 4 points & 6 rebounds. A bright spot for New Zealand was their outside shooting – hitting 11-32 triples at a 34.4% clip – and their 14 assists on 21 made field goals.
For Italy, Isabel Hassan was dominant with her 27 points and 15 rebounds, Nicole Torresani scored 12 and Olivia Ostoni hit 3/4 from downtown for her 9 points.
The game began with both teams trading baskets; Hassan scoring five consecutive points to give Italy a 13-17 lead but Flavell countering with five straight of her own to bring the Kiwis back within one. A turnaround jumper from Flavell – part of an impressive 12-point quarter – helped to give New Zealand a slim 21-19 lead heading into the break.
After a triple from Parahi in the second to tie the game at 28 apiece with less than 7 minutes left in the period, the Kiwis went ice-cold from the field; shooting 2-9 and committing six turnovers as they were outscored 13-4 by a resurgent Italy.
Facing a double-digit deficit in the third, Flavell caught fire with back-to-back threes and a pair of free throws – but New Zealand couldn’t reduce the gap as they headed into the final quarter down 44-55.
A fourth-quarter comeback was on the cards, with New Zealand catching fire from beyond the arc; hitting five straight triples – including three from Hippolite – to move within 2 points of the lead with 4 minutes remaining. But Italy showed great composure, as Torresani scored six straight points and the Italians locked New Zealand out for a three minute stretch. Their 10-0 run to end the game putting the game out of reach for the Kiwis.
Next up for New Zealand is a clash with Mexico; Tuesday 15 July at 2.30pm NZT.
Stats:
New Zealand 63 – Flavell 24 PTS | Hippolite 13 PTS | Parahi 9 PTS | Enriquez-Paea 6 PTS | Hastings 4 PTS & 6 REB | Douglas-Karauna 3 PTS | McMechan 2 PTS | Heather 2 PTS
Italy 71 – Hassan 27 PTS & 15 REB | Torresani 12 PTS | Ostoni 9 PTS
Box Score: https://bbnz.link/U17WWC_NZLvITA
Quarter Scores: 21-19, 32-44, 44-51, 63-71
FIBA U7 Women’s World Cup – New Zealand Schedule and Results
NZL v Italy – LOST 63-71
NZL v Mexico – 2.30pm, Tue 16 July
NZL v Mali – 9.30am, Wed 17 July
NZ Women’s U17 Squad at FIBA U17 World Cup
Waikimihia Douglas-Karauna, Rotorua Basketball Association
Chanel Enriquez-Paea, Gold Coast Rollers (NBL1)
Bailey Flavell, Harbour Basketball Association
Olivia Hastings, Norths Bears (NBL1)
Sophia Hickey, DME Academy
Keriana-Marie Hippolite, Brisbane Capitals (NBL1)
Pahlyss Hokianga, Basketball Hawkes Bay
Taia McMechan, Nunawading Spectres (NBL1)
Graecyn Parahi, Basketball Hawkes Bay
Cassidy Thomson, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (AUS)
Kodee Williams-Sefo, Harbour Basketball Association
Gia Vukona, Southern District Spartans (NBL1)
