Australia take 2-0 lead in Trans-Tasman Series.

In the second match-up of the series, the New Zealand Tall Ferns faced the Australian Opals in a spirited contest as part of the Trans-Tasman Showdown.

The Tall Ferns started strong, with Sharne Robati (180-F-2001) continuing her impressive form from Wednesday night by opening the scoring. Stephanie Reid also made an immediate impact, scoring a quick three points and providing an assist. Despite a tight first quarter, the 2degrees Tall Ferns faced challenges with fouls and turnovers, allowing the Opals to pull ahead and finish the quarter with a 29-10 lead.

In the second quarter, the Tall Ferns struggled to score against the Opals' strong defence. However, a motivational timeout led by Nat Hurst saw Bailey Flavell attacking the basket effectively, sparking a small offensive run for the Tall Ferns. Despite their efforts, the Opals maintained their dominance, and extended their lead to 33 heading into halftime.

The Tall Ferns came out with renewed purpose in the third quarter. Esra McGoldrick added five points to the scoreline, and Flavell continued to hustle and do everything she could to inspire her Tall Fern teammates. McKenna Dale hit a corner trey in the mix, and the Tall Ferns managed to close the gap, winning the quarter 21-18.

However, much like in game one of the series the Opals would finish strong. A spirited fight in the final quarter saw the bench erupt with cheer as standout, Sharne Robati, swatted a shot into the stands. New Zealand showed great energy and determination until the end, but the Opals maintained their lead, securing a 98-57 victory.

Standout performances for the Opals included an a great all-round performance from Maddi Rocci, Alex Fowler with a 15 points, and Duke Blue Devil alum Miela Sowah, who continued her sharp-shooting form, also with 15 points.

Robati and McGoldrick once again led from the front for the 2degrees Tall Ferns, combining for 25 of the teams 57 points on the evening.

Australian Opals 98 (Fowler 15, Sowah 15, Rocci 13) defeat the New Zealand Tall Ferns 57 (Robati 14, McGoldrick 11, Shearer 9).