Basketball: Tall Ferns way too strong for Singapore second time round

Kalani Purcell of the Tall Ferns in action against Japan. Photo/Photosport

NZ Tall Ferns have won the second of three internationals against Singapore 70-30 at the Singapore Basketball Centre.

New Zealand had made a slow start in the 80-55 opening win two nights ago, but didn't make the same mistake a second time, keeping Singapore scoreless in the opening five minutes and leading 18-4 at quarter time.

The visitors began the second quarter with a 17-0 run and built around a massive double double of 13 points/18 rebounds from Kalani Purcell to lead 41-11 at half-time.

Purcell's rebound haul included six offensive efforts, reflecting the dominance New Zealand enjoyed on the boards - they won that battle 66-30.

The third quarter was a more even contest, but the Tall Ferns were still totally in control at the last break, ahead 56-24, before coasting home in the fourth period.

Natalie Taylor, playing just her second game of the tour, enjoyed another productive outing scoring 11 points in 22 minutes of action, while adding seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks.

Chevannah Paalvast and Micaela Cocks also scored in double figures, recording 11 and 10 points respectively, while forward Jillian Harmon came up with an efficient nine points (4/7FG), eight rebounds, six assists and three steals.

The Tall Ferns gave up just nine turnovers in a dominant performance that delighted head coach Kennedy Kereama.

"It was a very well balanced performance by the team and I'm obviously happy with the result.

"To hold a team to four points in the first quarter and 11 points in the first half is brilliant. I think, defensively, we really put the clamps down and executed our game plan almost to perfection in that area.

"It was also pleasing that we had a total of 66 rebounds that included 24 offensive rebounds.

"In terms of spread of contribution, we had six players with eight points or more, so I think if we can get that spread of contributors, we are going to be a tough team to beat.

"For us, it was a good game and now we start putting our focus on the first game against China at the Asian Cup. There is a bit of a buzz among the team, as we look ahead to that challenge," Kereama added.

The third game against Singapore is on Sunday, after which the team will move on to Bangalore for a preparation camp ahead of the Asia Cup, beginning July 23.

Tall Ferns 70 (Kalani Purcell 13, Natalie Taylor 11, Chevannah Paalvast 11, Micaela Cocks 10) Singapore 30