Basketball: Opals outclass Tall Ferns twice to qualify for world champs

Australia swept to a commanding 102-55 victory and a 2-0 test series success against New Zealand in the Oceania women's world championship qualifying series in Christchurch.

Australia were too powerful for the Tall Ferns, who battled to make an impression against their taller and more internationally experienced opponents.

The win qualifies the Opals for the world championships in China next year.

Australia won the first test at Invercargill by a similar margin, 97-61.

In Christchurch, while holding a height advantage close to the hoop, Australia also dominated from the three-point line, landing 10 to New Zealand's one.

The Tall Ferns' cause was hindered when they were again without leading forward Gina Farmer, whose torn quad muscle had not responded sufficiently to play.

Australia, the silver medallists from last year's Sydney Olympic Games, were expected to dominate and despite missing eight players from that team, still had the depth of professional players to outclass the Tall Ferns.

New Zealand coach Tracy Carpenter said the visitors played the game at another level to the Tall Ferns.

"They are almost all pros and too good for us. We had no lead-up games, just a camp beforehand, and could not compete with their preparation," Carpenter said.

Such was the Opals' depth that seven of their 10 players posted double figures, with Jae Kingi topping the scoring with 16 points, including four three-pointers.

The Tall Ferns battled bravely against the odds, with some nice touches from Renee Wharekura, who top-scored with 12, and Tania Tupu and Donna Loffhagen, who both netted 11.

Once Australia settled and sped to a 17-2 lead on Saturday night they were never seriously threatened, although the Tall Ferns lost the third quarter only 25-24.

Australia made amends for that by lifting their intensity to win the final quarter 23-5.

- NZPA