POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Angela Marino
New Zealand - Fiji 118:31
New Zealand secured their spot at the next year's Olympic Games in Beijing. They easily speared Fiji in the Oceania championship game today and fulfilled their minimum task for the tournament. Tall Ferns kept Fiji scoreless for about a half of the first frame and later grabbed a double-digit lead. New Zealand players forced their opponents to 9 turnovers throughout the opening quarter and comfortably led 29:7. The things got even worse for Fiji in the second term as they were kept scoreless for about 8 minutes and fell behind 30 points at halftime 12:50. With the outcome decided Tall Ferns eased the pressure a bit and Fiji managed to score 13 points in the third stanza though conceding 27. The final frame appeared to be once again a one-sided traffic as Tall Ferns cruised past collapsed Fijian defense and nailed 41 points to seal their overwhelming dominance.
Karlene Kingi led balanced New Zealand offense with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Angela Marino (166-G-86) nailed 16 points, while Jessica McCormack (194-C-89) added 14 points and 8 boards for the winners. Sera Colata nailed 15 points and made 2 steals for Fiji. Leilani Saukawa and Brittany Hazelman netted 5 points apiece in defeat.
Kiwis shot solid 60% from the field, while Fiji managed only 22% of field goals. Tall Ferns also outrebounded their opponents 54:26 and forced them to incredible 37 turnovers.
New Zealand will now try to improve on their performance against Australia. They take on the Opals tomorrow in the Oceania series final. Noni Wharemate (171-G-82, college: UTEP) and Jody Tini (179-F-76) are questionable for the game with injuries.
New Zealand: Karlene Kingi 20+8 boards, Angela Marino 16, Jessica McCormack 14+8 boards
Fiji: Sera Colata 15, Leilani Saukawa 5, Brittany Hazelman 5
