Harbour Tall Ferns shine at Olympic Qualifying Tournament

The Sky Sport Tall Ferns recorded one of the most notable victories in New Zealand Women’s international basketball history on Sunday and Harbour Breeze forward Penina Davidson was a major contributor in the win.

The Tall Ferns beat Korea 69-65 in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament at Trusts Stadium with Penina, in probably her best performance in a New Zealand singlet, compiling 24 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks. Her match up against Korea’s Las Vegas Sparks WNBA centre Ji Su Park was one of the highlights of the tournament.

The Tall Ferns also had a win against the Philippines (111-54) but went down 94-71 to China. Penina averaged an impressive 16 points and 11.3 rebounds across the three games.

Three other Harbour representatives played their part during the Qualifying Tournament. Point guard Micaela Cocks was consistency personified playing 25 minutes per game averaging 5 points and 3.3 assists per game.

In the win against the Philippines Brooke Blair came up with 6 points and 3 assists whilst Ella Fotu produced 2 points, a rebound and an assist in the same game.

New Zealand finished the four team tournament with the same two wins and one loss record as China and Korea. Unfortunately with points differential deciding the placings it was China (+22) and Korea (-3) that pipped New Zealand (-19) to book their places at the next Olympic Qualifying Tournament in February.




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