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The Silver Ferns have ended a three-game losing streak against the New Zealand men’s basketball team.
Maia Wilson shoots in the final against men
Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
The Ferns have beaten the New Zealand men 55-52 in a thrilling quad series finale at Palmerston North, reversing Thursday night’s loss 60-47 in round robin.
Maia Wilson led the Ferns with 27 goals in 30 attempts after coming off the bench midway through the second quarter.
Coach Dame Noeline Taurua gave a surprise by putting Wilson on the bench and starting Te Paea Selby-Rickit on the shot, and it worked.
After a close 10-minute start, the Ferns scored seven straight goals to take a 16-10 lead in the quarter-half.
They managed to force the New Zealand men to make mistakes with Captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Gina Crampton and Sulu Fitzpatrick, all intercepted in the first 15 minutes.
The New Zealand men cleared their bench in the second quarter and cut the deficit to three goals at halftime.
Taurua also used his bench, as he has throughout the tournament, with Whitney Souness, Claire Kersten and Kelly Jury joining Wilson to make an impact as a substitute.
Gina Crampton flies to receive a pass in the quad series final
Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
The third quarter was high quality with minimal errors and ended tied at 17 apiece, with the Ferns holding a 42-39 lead.
The Ferns extended their lead to seven goals in the fourth minute of the fourth quarter, but the New Zealand men came back and tied the score at 49 with five minutes remaining.
However, the world champions stood their ground scoring the next five goals and enduring a famous victory.
Earlier, New Zealand’s A-team finished third with a 68-47 victory over New Zealand’s under-21 team, after leading 32-24 at halftime.
New Silver Ferns pitcher Grace Nweke led the way for New Zealand’s A-team, scoring 46 goals in her 53 attempts.
Silver Ferns’ team for the upcoming Taini Jamison Series against England will be named on Sunday.
