Tall Ferns on the brink of World Cup
July 27, 2017 | Townsville Fire news
New Zealand is just one win away from securing a position at next year’s World Cup ahead of tonight’s cut-throat quarter-final with South Korea.
The Tall Ferns have not featured in a major international competition since the Beijing Olympics, but after finishing second in their pool at the Asia Cup after defeating Chinese Taipei, they are now on the brink of a return to the big time.
Following her impressive form of late for New Zealand, Tall Ferns captain Micaela Cocks finished with 12 points, five rebounds and two assists against Chinese Taipei as they clinched a 59-53 victory to avoid a cross-over quarter-final with Japan.
“We showed real mental toughness today – to hold them to 18 points in the second half is where we want to be,” Tall Ferns coach Kennedy Kereama said.
“Overall we did a really good job.”
Championship-winning teammate Jill Harmon recorded 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Chevannah Paalvast added two points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Tall Ferns face South Korea at 3.30pm on Thursday.