The third match-up of the highly anticipated Trans-Tasman Throwdown saw the Tall Blacks face off against the Australian Boomers in a hard-nosed contest on the Sunshine Coast.听
The game began fairly evenly, with not much scoring. Unfortunately for the Kiwi鈥檚, it seemed the Boomers strangling defensive efforts from the second half of game one continued. The Boomers managing to keep a slight edge through great interior defence thanks to teen sensation Austin Rapp and Harry Wessels who dominated down low to help the home side to a 18-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.听
A big positive out of quarter one was the return of Finn Delany to the Tall Black singlet, who joined the squad in the Sunshine Coast. Despite Delany’s best efforts to wrestle momentum back, the Boomers’ defence remained stout.听
In the second quarter, the Boomers continued their defensive dominance, shutting down the Tall Blacks’ attack. The Tall Blacks early struggles continued in the second, however, Taylor Britt’s hot-hand managed to help reduce the margin to 11 points.听听
The Boomers pulled away towards the end of the quarter, with Todd Blanchfield hitting two three-pointers, extending their lead to 42-28 at halftime.听
The Tall Blacks started the third quarter with renewed energy, taking advantage of the Boomers’ stagnant offense. Taylor Britt led the charge, scoring a game-high 19 points and bringing the score difference to 10 points heading into the final quarter.听
Despite a strong start in the fourth quarter, the Tall Blacks lost momentum. The Boomers maintained their lead, with Harry Wessels excelling defensively, recording 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. The Tall Blacks’ turnovers proved costly, allowing the Boomers to capitalize and secure a 92-67 victory in game three of the Trans-Tasman Throwdown.听
Key players included Xavier Cooks for the Boomers and Taylor Britt for the Tall Blacks, both delivering standout performances.听
Australian Boomers 92 (Cooks 16, Pepper 12, Blanchfield 11) defeat Tall Blacks 67 (Britt 19, Ili 18, Delany 8)听
Q1: 18-10听
HT: 42-28听
Q3: 60-50听
FT: 92-67听
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In the second match-up of the night, the 2degrees Tall Ferns faced the Australian Opals in a spirited contest as part of the Trans-Tasman Showdown.听
The 2degrees Tall Ferns started strong, with Sharne Robati continuing her impressive form from Wednesday night by opening the scoring. Stephanie Reid also made an immediate impact, scoring a quick three points and providing an assist. Despite a tight first quarter, the 2degrees Tall Ferns faced challenges with fouls and turnovers, allowing the Opals to pull ahead and finish the quarter with a 29-10 lead.
In the second quarter, the 2degrees Tall Ferns struggled to score against the Opals’ strong defence. However, a motivational timeout led by Nat Hurst saw Bailey Flavell attacking the basket effectively, sparking a small offensive run for the Tall Ferns. Despite their efforts, the Opals maintained their dominance, and extended their lead to 33 heading into halftime.听
The 2degrees Tall Ferns came out with renewed purpose in the third quarter. Esra McGoldrick added five points to the scoreline, and Bailey Flavell continued to hustle and do everything she could to inspire her Tall Fern teammates. McKenna Dale hit a corner trey in the mix, and the Tall Ferns managed to close the gap, winning the quarter 21-18.听听
However, much like in game one of the series the Opals would finish strong. A spirited fight in the final quarter saw the bench erupt with cheer as standout, Sharne Robati, swatted a shot into the stands. A superb example of a never let die attitude. The team showed great energy and determination until the end, but the Opals maintained their lead, securing a 98-57 victory.听
Standout performances for the Opals included an a great all-round performance from Maddi Rocci, Alex Fowler with a 15 points, and Duke Blue Devil alum Miela Sowah, who continued her sharp-shooting form, also with 15 points.听听
Sharne Robati and Esra McGoldrick once again led from the front for the 2degrees Tall Ferns, combining for 25 of the teams 57 points on the evening.听听
Australian Opals 98 (Fowler 15, Sowah 15, Rocci 13) defeat the 2degrees Tall Ferns 57 (Robati 14, McGoldrick 11, Shearer 9).
Q1: 29-10
HT: 57-25
Q3: 75-46
FT: 98-57听
Wednesday 7th May
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Australian Opals听88-70听2degrees Tall Ferns
Australian Boomers听80 – 68听Tall Blacks
Friday 9th May
UniSC Arena, Sunshine Coast
Australian Boomers 92-67 Tall Blacks
Australian Opals 98-57 2degrees Tall Ferns
Sunday 11th May
Globox Arena, Claudelands, Hamilton
Australian Boomers v Tall Blacks
2:10pm tip off (NZT)
Australian Opals v 2degrees Tall Ferns
4:10pm tip off (NZT)
