KEY POINTS:
A raw New Zealand women's basketball team were beaten 88-46 by China in their opening match at the Jin Quiang Cup in Chengdou last night.
Missing experienced players such as Donna Wilkins, Aneka Kerr, Charmian Purcell and Angela Marino, the young Black Ferns, (average age 21) hung with their rivals until midway through the second quarter. Then a series of errors allowed the Chinese, ranked 10th in the world, to slip away.
"They really dominated the third quarter after Jessica McCormack got into foul trouble," coach Mike McHugh said.
"Fatigue and pressure in the second half allowed China to get away to a big win."
McCormack was New Zealand's best performer with 12 points and six rebounds, while captain Noni Wharemate also had 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The 17th-ranked Ferns awill play Cuba (ranked seventh) tonight.
China 88 NZ Tall Ferns 46 (Jess McCormack 12, Noni Wharemate 12, Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe 10). Quarter time 24-16, halftime 44-29 (20-13), threequarter time 70-37 (26-8), fulltime 88-46 (18-9).
- NZPA
