Basketball: Women's best not good enough

New Zealand's women basketballers saved their best for last, but it was still not good enough as they were beaten 54-92 by the Russian Federation at the Olympic Games today.

The Russians only had three more shots at goal than the New Zealanders, but their conversion rate of 54 percent was impressive against the Kiwis' 34.5 percent.

Coach Carl Dickel said despite the loss, the women had shown their best skills of the tournament.

The defeat means New Zealand have lost all five of their pool games at The Dome, and now play Senegal, losers of the other pool, for 11th and 12th place on Wednesday.

``We were able to place them under some pressure for the first 15 minutes and we were right in the game,'' Dickel said.

``But their superior skills and their all round ability is obviously, by the final result, far greater than ours.

``We gave it our best shot. Overall I think that's our best performance.''

The New Zealanders started slowly, but clawed their way back into the game through some tight defence and patient attacking moves.

At one stage trailing 5-12, New Zealand levelled at 16-16.

But cheap fouls proved costly. Russia's tough, experienced players trapped the New Zealanders into three basic fouls and all of a sudden they had reached the eight foul maximum for the first spell, handing Russia easy points from free throws.

A slight lapse in concentration before the half-time break gave Russia a 41-28 lead, but it was another poor spell early in the second half which proved decisive.

Russia piled on quick points, leaving the New Zealanders down by 19 and out of touch.

While New Zealand battled, their skills were no match for the Russians, particularly the giant 2.02-metre Maria Stepanova. Not only did she get inside the key for a 100 percent shooting record, she drew in defenders creating gaps outside for her team-mates to convert three-pointers.

Her long arms were everywhere, blocking New Zealand passes and shots.

The New Zealanders created much of the play, and worked hard -- without the flair of the Russians -- to keep the ball and create ample scoring opportunities. But the missed shots were costly.

``We just got tired, we're not used to playing under such pressure of having to make shots or else fall further behind,'' Dickel said.

``We're enjoying the experience, and we are getting better.

``You only have to not score on two or three trips, and generally the opposition will, and you fall way behind.

``Everyone tried, we haven't got the shooters that they've got, but I was pleased with the overall performance.''

Centre Gina Farmer left the court in the second half with an ankle niggle, but Dickel said he expected she would be fit by Wednesday.

- NZPA