Tall Ferns defeat South Sudan to reach FIBA tournament semi-finals

The New Zealand Tall Ferns secured a place in the semi-finals of the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Mexico after defeating South Sudan 82-74.

Despite an early deficit where South Sudan led 23-13 after the first quarter, New Zealand mounted a comeback led by Emme Shearer. Shearer recorded a career-high 32 points, including a 17-point fourth quarter that featured a 13-point scoring run. Other key contributors included Ella Brow, Charlotte Whittaker, and captain Tayla Dalton, who hit two late three-pointers to seal the win.

Shearer credited the victory to the team’s cohesion and ability to maintain their pace throughout the 40 minutes. The win also marked the first Tall Ferns points for 16-year-old Imani Rasmussen.