The opening game in the FIBA Oceania U-19 Championships for Men and Women was a match up between the New Zealand Junior Tall Ferns and the Australian Gems and it was a game sure to bring the fans back to the Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, New Zealand for the other games in the series.

First game nervousness was a factor for both teams in this opening game of the three match series, reflected in the shooting percentages (34% for the Kiwis and 40% for the Aussies), but the closeness of the game made for an absorbing contest for the 1400 or so fans on hand to witness the contest.

A four point difference (14 to 18) at quarter time favouring the Australians was carried through into the second period with the Kiwis going to the half time break 31 to 35 down to the Australians.

The half time break was the tonic the Kiwis needed and they actually outpointed the Aussies 20 to 18 in the third period to narrow the Australian lead to just 2 points.  The Junior Tall Ferns opened the final period with a game tieing basket and managed to level the score several more times before pulling ahead for the first time in the third minute of the period. Although the lead see-sawed, as we counted down to the final four minutes of the game, the Kiwis held a 65 to 63 lead over the Aussies.  In fact it was only a 3 point shot from Australia's Alex Wilson with a minute a half to play that put the Australians back in the lead and they did not relinquish the advantage until the final hooter with a scoreline of NZL 65, AUS 72.

Scores by quarter NZ 14, 31(17 points in the quarter), 51(20), 65(14) defeated by Australia 18, 35(17), 53(18), 72(19).

Leading scorers NZL; Chelseah Savage 16, Rhiah Spooner-Knight 14, Brooke Blair 10. AUS; Casey Samuels 22, Alex Wilson 17, Stephanie Talbot 10.

For full match statistics visit the competition website www.fibaoceaniacompetitions.com, select fixtures and results and then select match statistics.  To watch the game unfold visit the competition website and select the LiveStats tab on the top menu.

Livestreaming of the game can be viewed by following the link http://new.livestream.com/accounts/1103671 in your browser.
The second game in the series gets underway Friday evening at 7.45 pm New Zealand time.

U19 Men take cue from girls...

If the first game of the night entertained the crowd, the second game, the contest between the New Zealand Junior Tall Blacks and the Australian Emus did not disappoint. 
Spectators were treated to a great game of basketball the closeness of which was not reflected in the final scoreline. 
When the teams went to the half time break, the scores were tied at 36, but as they have done many times in the past, the Emus came back from the lockeroom with a determination to change the game. 

An increased defensive tempo, featuring full court pressure was the foundation for a scoring onslaught which saw them outpoint the Junior Tall Blacks 30 to 13 during the period, so that by the time the siren went to end the period, the Australians held a 66 to 49 advantage over New Zealand.

During the fourth period the Kiwis matched the Australians, conceding 19 points while they scored 15 but the foundation for final Australia scoreline 85 points to New Zealand 64 had been created in the critical 3rd period.

Leading scorers for the Junior Tall Blacks; Mathew Lacey 18, Rueben Te Rangi 15, Andrew Kennerley 12.  For Australia, Dante Exum 17, Dane Pineau 12, Mirko Djeric 10.

Scores by quarter; NZL 20, 36(16 points in the period), 49(13), 64(15) defeated by Australia 23, 36(13), 66(30), 85(19).

The second game in the series gets underway Friday evening at 6.00 pm New Zealand time.
For full match statistics visit the competition website www.fibaoceaniacompetitions.com, select fixtures and results and then select match statistics.  To watch the game unfold visit the competition website and select the LiveStats tab on the top menu.

Livestreaming of the game can be viewed by following the link http://new.livestream.com/accounts/1103671 in your browser.
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