Sayonara
Tagged in: Tall Ferns
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The NZ Tall Ferns got off to a slow start – another one – and again fell just short in their comeback, losing their third and final test against Japan 52-68 in Tokyo.
The Kiwis were quickly behind and trailed 13-25 after the opening quarter, the third consecutive night they faced a double-figure deficit entering the second term.
“That’s been a bit of a trend,” observed assistant coach Rachel Gwerder. “It’s something we need to address.”
They fought back strongly over the next two periods and scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter to draw within four, before their hosts pulled clear again from beyond the arc.
Guards Angela Marino and Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe led the Ferns with eight points each, while forwards Lisa Wallbutton (11 rebounds) and Jess McCormack (10) worked tirelessly around the boards.
“The tour was a huge success,” said Gwerder. “Five of these girls were new to this level of play.
“We came here with no camp and had to pick up the pieces on the run against a higher ranked team in their final preparations for a big tournament.
“I thought our girls handled the adversity very well.”
The Ferns return to New Zealand and will assembled again for a tour of China on June 12-20.
NZ Tall Ferns in Japan
Wednesday, May 23
Tokyo
Japan 68 NZ Tall Ferns 52 (Angela Marino 8, Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe 8, Noni Wharemate 7, Lisa Wallbutton 7)
Quarter 25-13
Halftime 39-29 (14-16)
Threequarter 51-40 (12-11)
Fulltime 68-52 (17-12)
