New Zealand scored an impressive 111-54 win over the Philippines in their opening game at the women's basketball Olympic qualifying tournament in Auckland.
Charlisse Leger-Walker Photo: Photosport
South Korea upset tournament favourites China 81-80 in the other game.
Tessa Boagni and Penina Davidson led the New Zealand scoring with 16 points apiece but there were also major contributions from Ashleigh Karaitiana, Toni Farnworth and Natalie Taylor.
Karaitiana nailed 13 points and hauled in nine rebounds while Farnworth sunk 12 points and Taylor 11.
Captain Kalani Purcell was her usual busy self, adding 10 rebounds, seven assists and four steals to two points.
Tall Ferns coach Guy Molloy said he was expecting a nervous start, but had been pleased with his team's strong defensive work.
"Credit to everyone who came out and put a lot of energy into our defence to blow the nerves off and start the game in a positive way.
"This game was over at half-time on the back of our ability to run and play good defence."
Purcell was happy with the team's performance.
"We really tried to work on our defence to try and get a transition game and I think we did that pretty well," she said.
With the China match on Saturday, and Korea on Sunday, the Tall Ferns know they have plenty of work ahead.
"I still believe we have to win two games and maybe margins will come into it, you never know how tournaments pan out," Molloy said.
"That was a great win for Korea against China and unexpected. We know we need another result to go our way to be a chance."
New Zealand's next game is against China tomorrow with South Korea on Sunday.
The top two teams at this event in Auckland will go through to the final Olympic qualifying round in February.
