Basketball: Tall Ferns in upset win over China

The New Zealand women's basketball team have upset China 83-82 in a four-nations tournament in Yulin, China overnight.

Scores were locked at 18-18 after the first quarter with the home side narrowly ahead 42-40 at half time before the Tall Ferns went ahead by one, 60-59 at the end of the third quarter.

Jillian Harmon was once again the top scorer finishing with 18 points and eight rebounds and got good support from Lisa Wallbutton 17, Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe 15, Natalie Taylor 12 and Antonia Edmondson.

"Our sense of execution down the stretch was pretty good. Defensively we played well and we ran them around," coach Kennedy Hamilton-Kereama said.

"We've only ever beaten China once or twice. They're eight in the world and we're 16.

"We're really happy with the result and now we've got to play well against Australia tonight and will be backing ourselves to win."

The Tall Ferns were to play Australia tonight before taking on Brazil tomorrow.

The tournament is part of a build up towards the London Olympic qualifying series against Australia in Australian in September this year.

Scores

New Zealand Tall Ferns 83 (Jillian Harmon 18, Lisa Wallbutton 17, Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe 15) China 82. Halftime: 40-42.

- NZPA