Australian Opals survive scare from Tall Ferns to open trans-Tasman series with victory

The kids are all right. Nat Hurst’s ‘Baby’ Tall Ferns produced a gritty, physical and decidedly skilful effort against the world No 2 Australian Opals in Adelaide on Wednesday night, before running out of steam late in the trans-Tasman series opener. The youthul New Zealanders, featuring five debutants, a handful of teenagers and just one player (Estra McGoldrick) with more than five international caps, went toe to toe with the Opals for almost the entire contest, trailing by nine (39-30) at the halftime break, just four (61-57) at the three-quarter mark and getting within a single point (67-66) with 5:40 remaining. In the end the New Zealanders couldn’t quite sustain their effort to the finish-line, with the Opals, finally turning their defensive pressure into points over the last five minutes, kicking clear late to ease to an 18-point victory that was somewhat flattering. For the great majority of a combative and competitive contest, Hurst’s youthful Ferns were more than a match for the highly-rated Opals, who opened the game $1.01 favourites with the bookies. The first-year coach, and former Opal herself, will take plenty from a committed effort from her young side. They banged bodies with their vastly more experienced opponents throughout, knocked down a decent clip of triples, and scrambled well on defence to restrict the Aussies to just 6 of 28 from beyond the arc. The Kiwis were well led by experienced 3x3 international Sharne Robati (180-F-2001), in just her third outing for the Tall Ferns. The neice of NBA star Steven Adams poured in 16 first-half points and 19 overall on 7-of-11 shooting, including 2 of 5 from deep, to go with a pair of boards and 2 assists. Chief support came from Tauranga Girls College star Pahlyss Hokianga (166-G-2007) who added 10 points, while debutant Ella Brown (182-F-2005), McKenna Dale (183-G-1999, college: Virginia) and Ashlee Strawbridge (185-F-2002, college: NM State) added 7 apiece, and Tegan Grahan a half-dozen in her first international via a couple of well-taken triples. The Opals were paced by a slick 23 points from their own 3x3 standout Miela Sowah, who made 4 of her 7 attempts from beyond the arc, and 7 of 10 shots overall, while Alexandra Fowler (188-F-2001, college: Portland) chipped in with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 dimes. The Opals dominated the offensive boards 19-3 and forced 24 turnovers to earn themselves 27 more shots than the erns. They needed them as they converted at just 38% overall (29 of 75) and 21% (6 of 28) from deep. The New Zealanders shot 43% overall (21 of 45) and 35 (10 of 28) from beyond the arc. The Ferns hung well with the Opals through the first two quarters, mainly thanks to an outstanding 16-point first half from Robati who made 6 of her 9 shots and 2 of 4 from deep to keep them in touch. The Opals hinted at creating some separation when they led 27-17 after the first quarter, but a 13-12 second term by the New Zealanders saw them head into the major break within nine (39-30) of the Australians. The Ferns reduced the deficit further with a 27-22 third term, and were right in it at the midway point of the final term, with Robati missing a free-throw that would have levelled the scores at 67-67.
Courtesy of: stuff.co.nz