Argentina edge out New Zealand 54-51; Olympics Dream over for the Tall Ferns - 2012 FIBA Olympics Qualifying Tournament for Women
Going into the Group B fixture against South American powerhouses Argentina, team New Zealand knew that they had to win in order to stay alive in the 2012 FIBA Olympics Qualifying Tournament for Women.
They certainly gave it their all and had Natalie Taylor converted all of her free throws down the stretch, the Tall Ferns would have managed to stay alive.
That however was not the case as the Argentineans carved out a 54-51 win in what was the most closely fought game in the tournament so far.
New Zealand started strongly and were leading by 8-4 early before the South American scored five unanswered points to take a one point lead with 3:27 remaining in the frame. The Kiwis responded with five points of their own, but
conceded the next five again before a three pointer from Taylor gave them a 16-4 lead after the first quarter.
The Argentineans tied the game at 16 inside the first 1:30 of the second and after some back and forth action, the game was all square at 24. At that time, Argentina pulled off an 8-2 run and by the time the first half ended, they
were leading by 32-28.
Early in the third quarter, the South Americans extended their lead to37-28, their biggest of the game. New Zealand pulled back within 3 quickly, but the Argentineans hung tough and ensured a 6 point lead, 37-43, going into the
last 10 minutes.
The Kiwis, desperate to stay in the competition, launched a spirited effort in the fourth quarter. They started the period with a two pointer and with 6:02 remaining on the clock, made it a three point game at 43-46.
New Zealand were relentless in their pursuit and nearly two minutes later, they closed in at 47-49, forcing the Argentineans to take a time out. Argentina came out of the timeout and attempted a three. That was off the mark, but
they did manage to extend their advantage to four, 47-51, with 2:27 left.
The Tall Ferns however were just not willing to give in. They made a deuce to make it 49-51 and had a chance to tie the game but Jillian Harmon missed a jumper with 13 seconds remaining. On the next possession, Sandra Pavon had
a chance to close out the game for Argentina but she missed both of her free throws.
Luckily for the Argentineans, Carolina Sanchez grabbed the offensive rebound and converted the resulting free throws to make it 53-49.
Although only 9 seconds were left at that point, the Kiwis still had the chance to force a result in their favour, but Taylor managed to slip in only 2 of her 4 free throws attempts. She finished off with a game high 19 points
and 6 rebounds, but just couldn’t get job finished.
The South Americans were led by 16 points and 6 rebounds by Sanchez.
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