12 Aug 2008

Women's basketball team beaten by Spain

2:06 pm on 12 August 2008

Defence let the New Zealand women's basketball team down as they were beaten 85-62 by Spain in their second pool match at the Beijing Olympics.

The Spanish led throughout, up by 13 at half time and extending that in the second half.

Forward Jillian Harmon top scored for New Zealand with 22 points.

The New Zealanders were unable to compete against a much taller side who scored half of their points from inside the paint.

Centre Jessica McCormack admits they have to work on their defence as the Spanish had too many fast breaks on them.

The result leaves the New Zealanders with a win and a loss and they need another win to have any chance of making the quarter-finals. Their next opportunity is against China on Wednesday.