Tall Ferns defeat Argentina in FIBA pre-Olympic qualifier

The New Zealand women's basketball team, the Tall Ferns, defeated Argentina 57-35 in their opening match of the FIBA pre-Olympic qualifying tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico.

While the game remained competitive through the first three quarters, with New Zealand holding a narrow 36-32 lead at the break, the Tall Ferns secured the victory with a dominant fourth-quarter performance. New Zealand outscored Argentina 21-3 in the final period, utilizing increased defensive pressure to limit the Argentinian offense.

Key contributors for New Zealand included Ella Brow with 14 points, Emilia Shearer with 12 points, and Lauren Whittaker with 11 points. Ella Tofaeona added nine points and seven rebounds. Coach Nat Hurst and guard Tayla Dalton praised the team's defensive effort and ability to coalesce despite limited preparation time. New Zealand's next scheduled matches in the tournament are against Brazil and South Sudan.