Tall Ferns secure William Jones Cup
JCU Townsville Fire recruit Stella Beck has guided New Zealand to their first victory at the William Jones Cup in Taiwan.
Despite resting a raft of first-choice Tall Ferns for the tournament including three-time WNBL championship winner Micaela Cocks, the young Kiwis team finished the competition unbeaten after outlasting Japan, the reigning Asia Cup champions, in the final round.
Beck was outstanding against the Japanese as she finished with 24 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals during the 85-74 victory.
The 22-year-old was brilliant for the entire campaign, however, as she finished the tournament ranked second in points at 17.8 per game and first in assists at 7.2 per game.
She was also ranked fifth for steals at 1.8 per game and did her chances of further selection no harm with an impressive showing.
In winning the 40th edition of the William Jones Cup, New Zealand added to their bronze medal win at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and their gold medal at the FIBA 3 x 3 Asia Cup.
William Jones Cup Results
* New Zealand defeated India 114-39
* New Zealand defeated South Korea 93-74
* New Zealand defeated Chinese Taipei 69-62
* New Zealand defeated Chinese Tapei B 88-66
* New Zealand defeated Japan 85-74