Agony for Tall Ferns in narrow loss to Puerto Rico

The New ZealandTall Ferns have suffered a heartbreaking loss at the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers in China tonight, falling 67-69 to a tough Puerto Rico squad in a fierce battle from start to finish.

After taking a 25-18 lead at the end of the first quarter, the Kiwis struggled mightily in the second frame – going 1-12 from the field as Puerto Rico took a three point lead. The second half was a constant back-and-forth affair, with New Zealand nursing a one point lead with 49 seconds left – only for Puerto Rico to score back-to-back baskets for the win.

This loss eliminates the Tall Ferns from contending at the 2024 Olympics, while Puerto Rico earns a spot in Paris for only their second time ever.

Tall Ferns captain, Stella Beck (183-G-1995, college: SMC) was huge in this game with 21 points, 8 rebounds & 5 assists – including a third quarter span that saw her score 6 straight points and take her second charge of the game. But the Kiwis couldn't stop Puerto Rico's hot shooting from downtown throughout the game, with their opponents hitting 11 triples at a 33% clip and hitting several big shots at key phases of the match.

Esra McGoldrick added a 11 point, 10 rebound double-double, while Ritorya Tamilo had a solid 10 points & 6 rebounds, Tera Reed and Lauren Whittaker chipped in with 7 points and 5 rebounds apiece; Reed also adding 5 assists, while McKenna Dale made her Tall Ferns debut - scoring 9 in the first quarter before leaving due to injury.

Puerto Rico was led by Mya Hollingshed with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks, while Arella Guirantes added 14 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists; Jacqueline Benitez also with 13 and Isalys Quinones scored 10. Although New Zealand outshot Puerto Rico from the field (35.7% vs 33%) and enjoyed a 34-20 points in the paint advantage, the Kiwis again struggled from outside - held to just 4-28 shooting from outside the arc.

Tall Ferns Coach Guy Molloy shared his thoughts following the game.

“We’re very disappointed to lose, but congratulations to Puerto Rico in a very competitive game; it was a very close game that went right down to the end. Good luck to them in their next tournament phase.”

Beck echoed Molloy’s comments and praised her teammates efforts against Puerto Rico.

“I’m gutted for us and the girls, but it was a hard fight and they [Puerto Rico] deserved it.”

Looking ahead to their game against France tonight, Molloy believes the team needs to shake off the loss and approach their world #7-ranked opponents with a fresh mindset.

“We need to get ourselves physically recovered and mentally ready to play a great team; they [France] played a good game against China today.”