KEY POINTS:
Guard Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe drained a pair of free throws with no time left on the clock to give the New Zealand Tall Ferns their first victory of the year, a historic 57-55 result over Argentina in Chengdou, China, on Friday night.
After taking a pounding from the host
nation in their Jin Quiang Cup opener, then giving Cuba a good contest but still losing, the young Kiwis showed they were quick learners, taking the game to the world 12th-ranked South Americans.
The contest remained close throughout but the Tall Ferns, after leading 27-24 at halftime, held their nerve down the stretch.
Argentina had a two-point advantage after three quarters but New Zealand finished strongest, winning the final quarter by four points.
Seventeen-year-old centre Jess McCormack again led the Kiwi effort with 18 points and eight rebounds. Captain Noni Wharemate scored 10 points.
"We have learned so much and improved a huge amount during this tournament," said McCormack.
If their waywardness from the stripe cost New Zealand a win against Cuba, foul shooting proved their strength on this occasion.
They shot 24 from 35 attempts (68.6 per cent) as a team and were more effective than their opponents in getting to the line and converting.
Argentina sank 13 of their 22 free throws, for a 59.1 per cent success rate.
Victory will give the inexperienced Ferns something to show for their improvement since losing by 42 points to China.
The Tall Ferns are ranked 17th in the world but are minus several leading players in China.
Without veterans Donna Wilkins, Aneka Kerr, Charmian Purcell and Angela Marino, Tall Ferns coach Mike McHugh has had to blood several rookies against higher-ranked international teams.
"We have made tremendous progress throughout this tournament," said McHugh.
"Our younger players have really stepped up and this gives us a great platform to build on for next year's Beijing Olympics."
Tall Ferns 57 (J McCormack 18, N Wharemate 10, N Purcell 9, K McMeeken-Ruscoe 9) Argentina 55. Quarter-time 16-13; halftime 27-24 (11-11); threequarter-time 38-40 (11-16); fulltime 57-55 (19-15).
