Tahlia Tupaea leads Tall Ferns to big Asia Cup win

Tall Fern Tahlia Tupaea in possession.
Photo: David Neilson

A newcomer has lead the Tall Ferns through to the next round of the Asia Cup with a 76-45 defeat of Lebanon in Sydney.

In just her second game for New Zealand, former Australian age-group player Tahlia Tupaea top-scored for the Tall Ferns with 20 points in the dominant victory in their final group game.

Backing up from Tuesday’s loss to China, New Zealand have now won two of their three group games and progress to the qualification round.

Tupaea sat out the China game after making her debut against Korea on Monday and picking up a shoulder injury. Her return to the court was a big part of New Zealand’s success against Lebanon who remain winless in the Asia Cup.

Another player who was strong against Korea but was rested against China was forward Penina Davidson who recorded a double double against Lebanon with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Guard Charlisse Leger-Walker continued to make her mark at the tournament with 19 points in the win.

New Zealand were ahead 17-6 after the first quarter, had a 39-17 lead at halftime and heading into the final period were leading 55-29.

Lebanon’s strongest quarter was the fourth as New Zealand substituted players.

Trinity Baptiste, who played in the New Zealand women’s domestic competition, was Lebanon’s top performer with 11 points and 7 rebounds.

If the Tall Ferns win their qualification game they will be through to the semi-finals of the Asia Cup for the first time in four appearances.

A top four finish gives them the opportunity to proceed through the Olympic Qualification pathway, where New Zealand can play in a future qualifying event to secure a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics – their first Olympics appearance since Beijing in 2008.

-RNZ