The 2degrees Tall Ferns delivered another electrifying performance against Indonesia in Group A play of the FIBA Women鈥檚 Asia Cup.
New Zealand came out firing from beyond the arc, with Esra McGoldrick setting the tone early by knocking down the first triple. Pahlyss Hokianga followed with a confident step-back three off the glass, and McKenna Dale added a third from range within the first four minutes of play.
The first minutes of action saw Rebecca Pizzey bring her trademark hustle off the bench, continuing the energy she displayed in her debut against Korea just 24 hours ago.
The Tall Ferns were relentless on defence, their stifling on-ball pressure making it difficult for Indonesia to find clean looks, disrupting their rhythm and forcing tough shots.
Bailey Flavell connected with Charlotte Whittaker in transition, who drained the fourth three-pointer of the quarter, capping off a dominant shooting display to lead proceedings heading into the quarter break.
The second quarter saw the Tall Ferns extend their lead with continued inside scoring and a renewed barrage from deep. McKenna Dale reignited the three-point streak with her second of the night, then found a wide-open Pizzey in the corner for another triple just two possessions later.
Olivia Williams made her Tall Ferns debut midway through the second quarter and wasted no time making an impact, draining her first bucket – a three-pointer marking a fitting and memorable start to her career in the black singlet.
Tayla Dalton added to the highlight reel with a clutch triple late in the shot clock, the team鈥檚 eighth of the half.
Despite Indonesia鈥檚 efforts to stay competitive, New Zealand鈥檚 perimeter shooting proved too much, giving the Ferns an 12-point lead heading into halftime.
Esra McGoldrick led by example, finishing the half with 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals 鈥� doing a bit of everything in the first half for the 2degrees Tall Ferns.
The second half began with McGoldrick knocking down a long mid-range jumper to keep the momentum rolling. Pizzey continued to dominate in the paint, pulling down her tenth rebound with five minutes left in the third quarter 鈥� securing an impressive double-double in just 16 minutes of play.
McGoldrick kept pouring in the points, hitting her second triple of the night to push the Ferns鈥� lead to 20.
Ritorya Tamilo contributed key rebounds, securing second-chance opportunities, including a standout moment where her offensive rebound led to Hokianga draining the Tall Ferns鈥� eleventh triple of the game.
To cap off the third quarter, McGoldrick knocked down her third triple of the evening, helping New Zealand stretch their halftime lead to a commanding 23 points.
The fourth quarter saw the Tall Ferns continue to execute with precision.
Emme Shearer found Pizzey down low with a lovely pass to maintain the team鈥檚 dominance inside. While both teams slowed down in the middle stages of the fourth, it was the 2degrees Tall Ferns, who yet again, find ways to close it out in style.
Charlotte Whittaker added her second bucket of the night with just over three minutes to play, then knocked down a corner triple to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Olivia Williams checked in for her second stint and hit yet another triple, before assisting Ashlee Strawbridge for her first three-pointer of the Asia Cup. Strawbridge then found Ella Tofaeono for her first points of the game, capping off a strong 8-0 run to finish the game and seal an emphatic 30-point victory over Indonesia.
New Zealand鈥檚 15 made three-pointers at a 54% clip nearly quadrupled their output from the previous night against Korea.
The team鈥檚 defence, particularly in the second half, also a highlight of the night. The Tall Ferns holding the Indonesian to just 19 points in the third and fourth quarters of the game.
Rebecca Pizzey鈥檚 dominance on both ends saw her finish with a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double, while captain Esra McGoldrick top-scored with 18 points and added 6 rebounds.
Pizzey 13 rebounds made even more impressive by the fact she鈥檚 now tied for equal third most rebounds for a New Zealander at a FIBA Asia Cup (behind Jillian Harmon 15, and Kalani Purcell 14).
鈥淩ebecca鈥檚 been an awesome addition to the Tall Ferns. Just having that versatile big, coming in she鈥檚 got a bit of experience too, she鈥檚 kind of that veteran we need.鈥�
McGoldrick with her thoughts on her new Tall Fern teammate.
This win for the Tall Ferns notches up Coach Natalie Hurst鈥檚 first win as head coach of the 2degrees Tall Ferns.
鈥淚t was a very physical game, super important for both teams so everyone came out and left it on the floor. Very proud of the girls for fighting for 40 minutes and getting a great win for New Zealand!鈥�
The team鈥檚 attention now turns to a huge match-up with China.
鈥淐hina across the board are a very good team. I think it鈥檚 a great opportunity for us to come out and play against one of the best teams in the world. I know the girls are looking forward to the opportunity to step out on the court with them.鈥�
The 2degrees Tall Ferns take on China tomorrow night, 11:30pm NZT.
2degrees Tall Ferns 75 (McGoldrick 18p, Pizzey 12p, 13r, Shearer & Whittaker 8p) defeat Indonesia 45 (Pierre-Louis 11p, Adelaide & Antonio 6p)
Q1: 21-14
HT: 38-26
Q3: 58-35
FT: 75-45
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