Young centre Jess McCormack continued to establish her international credentials even though the New Zealand women's basketball team went down 56-64 to seven-ranked Cuba in China on Thursday.
The result was a far cry from the Tall Ferns' 42-point drubbing by China in their opening game of the
Jin Quiang Cup in Chengdou on Wednesday night.
In fact, they could have stolen an unexpected victory if they had managed to convert better than 16 from 29 from the free-throw line.
Cuba were always ahead, leading 16-10 after the opening quarter and taking a 13-point advantage into the fourth quarter.
The 17th-ranked Ferns did show their toughness by outscoring their rivals in the fourth quarter to close the gap to eight points.
"Our defensive effort and the way we bounced back was integral to our performance," coach Mike McHugh said.
He described the game as one of the best by his team since they beat China in pool play at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Most of the Olympic teams have retired and none are at this tournament.
Skipper Donna Wilkins, forward Aneka Kerr and point guard Angela Marino were all unavailable, putting the onus on the rookies.
"The youngsters certainly learned a lot tonight."
McCormack, 17, was the Tall Ferns' best performer again last night, lead the way with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Guard Micaela Cocks also scored 12 points.
"Our foul shooting just let us down," captain Noni Wharemate said.
"We had a chance to pull off an amazing win."
New Zealand face 12th ranked Argentina tonight.
Cuba 64 (Yamile Martinez 15, Yamara Amargo 10) Tall Ferns 56 (Jess McCormack 12, Micaela Cocks 12, Lisa Wallbutton 11). Quarter time 16-10, halftime 32-24 (16-14), threequarter time 56-43 (24-19), fulltime 64-56 (8-13).
- NZPA
