The New Zealand women's basketball team has been beaten 77-66 by Chinese Taipei B in their opening game at the William Jones Cup in Taiwan.
The Tall Ferns player Tessa Boagni. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Tall Ferns led 52-50 at three-quarter time, but gave up up 27 points in the final period.
The New Zealanders had only arrived in Taiwan 26 hours before the game and that appeared to play a part in their performance late in the game.
Assistant coach Aik Ho was philosophical after the game saying they dominated the rebounding count but couldn't convert that superiority into points.
He says at the defensive end their big players struggled to contain the smaller, quicker Chinese Taipei players.
Lisa Wallbutton was the pick of the New Zealand players securing a double double of 12 points and 11 rebounds including 7 off the offensive glass.
The Tall Ferns face a tough schedule of five games in five days and take on japan tonight.
