Basketball: Tall Ferns make winning start in Europe

The New Zealand women's basketball team have made a successful start to their European tour by beating Angola 63-55 in Madrid overnight.

The Tall Ferns next face hosts Spain in Valencia tomorrow (NZT). They also play Japan before a rematch against Angola back in Madrid on Monday.

Angola has been highlighted as a key opponent before the Tall Ferns head to the Beijing Olympics given the New Zealanders are pooled with another African nation, Mali, in China.

"The chance to play against an African-style team is really helpful for us," coach Mike McHugh said.

- NZPA