The New Zealand Tall Ferns lost their opening game in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament to the Czech Republic 51-70, which was no great surprise.
The Czechs are a very big, very good team. With an average height of 6'1", they have six players taller than the tallest Tall Fern. They are ranked as the 4th best team in the world by FIBA – New Zealand is ranked #16.
The Czechs beat the Ferns on offense (43.7-25.4 FG%, 33.3-0.0 3PT%) and defense (41-32 rebounds). Jill led her team at both ends of the court with nine points and seven rebounds.
The Ferns continue their fight for a spot in the Olympics tomorrow with a game against the third member of their group – Argentina, ranked #12. The Czechs and Argentina will play each other on Wednesday. The top two teams in the group will advance to the quarterfinals on Friday.
For more information on today's game, see the game report and the box score.
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