Basketball: Tall Ferns fall to Korea in Asia Cup opener

  • 28/09/2021

NZ Tall Ferns have opened their Asia Cup basketball campaign with a 85-69 defeat to Korea in Jordan.

Playing their first game in more than two years, the Kiwi women were unable to overcome early foul trouble, struggles with their shooting and red-hot Korean Isaem Choi in their Group A showdown in Amman.

The forward drained five three-pointers on her way to a game-high 29 points, keeping New Zealand at arm's length throughout the contest, as Korea won all four quarters.

Penina Davidson was superb for the Tall Ferns, posting a double-double with 21 points on a scorching 10-of-14 attempts to go with 11 rebounds. Kiwi US college star Charlisse Leger-Walker added 12 points on just five-of-14 shots.

New Zealand need to finish in the top four to progress for next year's World Cup qualifying tournament. They'll face Japan later on Tuesday.