Source: Radio New Zealand
Tall Ferns head coach Natalie Hurst, at the the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico, March 2026 EDGARDO MEDINA
The struggles have continued for the Tall Ferns at the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico, going down to African nation, Senegal, in their latest match 61-45.
New Zealand only lead on one occasion, and that was when Bec Pizzey nailed a lay-up to score the opening points of the contest.
And while Senegal couldn’t convert their scoring opportunities in the first two and half minutes, once Victorine Thiaw dropped a step-back three-pointer, Senegal were never headed for the rest of the game.
By the end of the first quarter, Senegal had stretched their lead to four points (14-10), and then to five (29-24) at halftime.
But it was in the third quarter where they really moved clear, outscoring New Zealand 23-9, to head into the final quarter 52-33 ahead.
And while the Tall Ferns managed to win the final quarter by three points, it was still a decisive win for Senegal, who had two players hitting double figures, Yacine Diop (13) and Saokhna Ndiaye (10).
Ella Toefaeono ended top scorer for New Zealand with 10 points, while she also contributed three assists and two blocks.
Pizzey finished with nine points and five rebounds, with Tegan Graham securing the same numbers.
Emme Shearer was the Tall Ferns leading rebounder with seven.
But overall, New Zealand shot the ball at just 27%, while conceding 18 turnovers.
The tournament’s been a tough challenge for the Natalie Hurst coached team, with earlier defeats to Italy, 74-51, and Spain 99-50.
New Zealand plays the USA tomorrow (7am NZT) in their next match, and then the host nation in their final group match on Wednesday.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
