Basketball: West Australia too strong for NZ

New Zealand couldn't defend a one-point halftime lead against West Australia at the Australian women's under-20 state basketball championships in Gawler yesterday, eventually succumbing 53-71.

Nelson guard Jelena Vucinic, who featured in the New Zealanders' 73-52 win Monday over Tasmania, led all scorers with 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

The daughter of Tall Blacks' coach Nenad Vucinic again paced the New Zealanders, but they were unable to defend their slim halftime, going scoreless for nearly eight minutes of the third period as their rivals rattled off 17 unanswered points.

The New Zealand women held their own around the boards, but committed 25 turnovers and could not convert their opportunities.

Scores: West Australia 71 (Antonio Ebony 13, Shani Amos 11, Jasmine Hooper 11) New Zealand 53 (Jelena Vucinic 17, Ashleigh Poto 13, Bella McCallum 11). Halftime: 30-31.