Japan hand the Tall Ferns a crushing defeat

The Tall Ferns have been issued a stern reality check ahead of their Olympic basketball qualifier against Australia.

New Zealand were thumped 93-66 by Japan in the second test of their three-game series at Christchurch’s Cowles Stadium on Friday night.

With the might of Australia awaiting in Melbourne in just seven days time, the young Tall Ferns have plenty to worry about following an error-ridden showing.

After losing 75-58 in the first game on Wednesday, New Zealand were comfortably beaten by a slick Japanese side, who are ranked 15th in the world.

New Zealand played their top line-up, with veterans Micaela Cocks, Lisa Wallbutton and Natalie Taylor all playing decent minutes, but were again outclassed.

On the evidence of the first two tests, it looks like it will be a case of damage control for the Tall Ferns against the powerful Australians.

The trans-Tasman rivals meet in a two-game Oceania series [August 15 and 17] with the victor claiming an automatic berth at next year’s Rio Olympics.

New Zealand fell behind 31-15 early in the second quarter after Japan went on a 9-0 surge to start the term. From then on, the Tall Ferns were always playing catchup.

Defence was an issue throughout, with Japan scoring 20 or more points in every quarter to rack up 93 for the game.

Japan shot the ball well, landing 37/69 (54 per cent) from the field and 7/17 (41 per cent) from three-point range.

Turnovers crippled New Zealand in the first quarter with the ball surrendered nine times.

Japan started strongly, hitting their first four field goals.

They feasted off New Zealand’s mistakes quickly pushing the ball up the floor and showing smart ball-movement to find the open player.

New Zealand, ranked 22nd in the world, were in it midway through the term, down 13-12, but the Japanese produced a powerful finish to the quarter to build a 22-15 advantage.

The Tall Ferns made a horror start to the second quarter, missing their first seven field goals and taking nearly four minutes to get on the board.

Japan made them pay at the other end of the court, going on a 9-0 run to make it 31-15.

Young forward Kalani Purcell, New Zealand’s shining light in the first half, broke New Zealand’s barren scoring run, but Japan’s lead quickly blew out to 19.

The Tall Ferns failed to bring the necessary defensive intensity in the first half with Japan scoring 47 points on 17/32 shooting from the floor (53 per cent) and 4/9 from deep.

New Zealand, in contrast, shot just 10/28 from the floor in the first half and were out-rebounded 21-17. To their credit, the Tall Ferns showed far more fight after halftime.

Japan only took the third quarter 20-19, but the damage had been done in the first half. Every time, the Tall Ferns went on a mini-run, the Japanese answered straight back.

Penina Davidson was one of the few Tall Ferns to stand out, finishing with 13 points and nine rebounds.

Lisa Wallbutton also had her moments with 12 points and eight boards.

The final test of the three-game series is in Ashburton on Sunday.