Basketball · International
Three Tall Ferns debut in world cup qualifying loss to Spain
New Zealand won the rebound count but Spain's runs and outside shooting produced a 99–50 victory.
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Jade Kirisome, Emma Rogers and Briarley Rogers made their senior New Zealand debuts in the Tall Ferns' opening women's World Cup qualifier. Spain won 99–50 in San Juan after the New Zealand team began with an early 6–2 lead.
Spain's fourteen point to one closing first quarter run and five third quarter three pointers opened a decisive margin. Megan Gustafson scored twenty points for the winners, while Ella Tofaeono marked her twenty-eighth birthday with fourteen points and seven rebounds.
New Zealand finished ahead 39–31 on the boards and used all twelve players. Coach Nat Hurst identified turnovers as the major problem, while captain Tayla Dalton highlighted the debut appearances and the team's physical effort as positives to carry into the next match.
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