It does not get any easier for the Tall Ferns.
After dropping their third straight game of their World Cup qualifying tournament, losing 61-45 to Senegal yesterday, the Tall Ferns will meet the United States today.
The United States, who are packed with WNBA talent including Caitlin Clark, are unbeaten.
Yesterday, the Tall Ferns put up a fight against Senegal, trailing 14-10 at the first break.
Senegal’s length became a factor in the second quarter, as their defenders disrupted passing lanes.
Tegan Graham knocked down a triple to bring the Tall Ferns within one point.
Bec Pizzey then connected from deep to give New Zealand their first lead since the opening basket of the game.
Senegal responded through Nene Ndiaye, who restored a three-point advantage and extended her team’s lead to 29-24 at halftime.
Graham opened the half with another three, but the physicality of the contest intensified and Senegal seized the moment.
Diop struck again from beyond the arc before a Senegalese fastbreak finish capped a dominant run that stretched their lead to 22 points, part of a decisive 17-1 surge.
They won the third quarter 23-9 and charged home from there.
‘‘Our girls will always fight to the end. They’ve got big hearts and they stick together, but it just wasn’t good enough today,’’ Tall Ferns coach Nat Hurst said.
‘‘We’re obviously disappointed.
‘‘Some of our rules, we didn’t stick to, and I think it hurt us. They smacked us on the boards in the first half and we just never really got ourselves into the game.’’
The Tall Ferns play the United States this morning.
