Basketball women remain unbeaten

The New Zealand women’s basketball team wrapped up their pool play today with a 90-55 win against India in Cairns, their third consecutive victory.

The result ensured New Zealand finished top of Pool B, earning them a quarter-final match against either England or Mozambique on Tuesday.

Micaela Cocks led the scoring with 21 points and was ably supported by Toni Farnworth (12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists), Chevannah Paalvast (10 points) and Charlisse Leger-Walker (10 points). Kalani Purcell chipped in with 8 points, 4 rebounds and a game high 4 steals. 

New Zealand were never under pressure after the opening few exchanges and led 54-22 at halftime. Prince Charles watched the second half.

“As a team we are going into each game with things we need to work on and we want to get better with each outing,” said Cocks, a three-time Australian WNBL Championship winner with Townsville Fire.

“We know there are harder teams we have to face and the game in Townsville is do or die. We’re feeling confident and really enjoying the style we’re playing.”

Coach Guy Molloy was more than content with his team’s showing.

 “I’m full of praise for the team,” he said. “Entering the game we couldn’t be dislodged from top place in the pool, so it becomes a dead rubber and the psychological reaction to that is normally a poor one,” he said.