The loss eliminates the Tall Ferns from contending at the 2024 Olympics. Photo: photosport
The Tall Ferns have suffered a heartbreaking loss at the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers in China, falling 69-67 to Puerto Rico.
After taking a 25-18 lead at the end of the first quarter, the Kiwis struggled mightily in the second frame - going 1-12 from the field as Puerto Rico took a three-point lead.
The second half was a constant back-and-forth affair, with New Zealand nursing a one-point lead with 49 seconds left - only for Puerto Rico to score back-to-back baskets for the win.
This loss eliminates the Tall Ferns from contending at the 2024 Olympics, while Puerto Rico earns a spot in Paris for only their second time ever.
Tall Ferns captain Stella Beck scored 21 points, made eight rebounds and five assists - including a third quarter span that saw her score six straight points and take her second charge of the game.
But the Kiwis couldn't stop Puerto Rico's hot shooting from downtown throughout the game, with their opponents hitting 11 triples at a 33 percent clip and hitting several big shots at key phases of the match.
Esra McGoldrick added a 11 point, 10 rebound double-double, while Ritorya Tamilo had a solid 10 points and six rebounds, Tera Reed and Lauren Whittaker chipped in with seven points and five rebounds apiece, Reed also adding five assists, while McKenna Dale made her Tall Ferns debut - scoring nine in the first quarter before leaving due to injury.
Although New Zealand outshot Puerto Rico from the field (35.7% vs 33%) and enjoyed a 34-20 points in the paint advantage, the Kiwis again struggled from outside - held to just 4-28 shooting from outside the arc.
Beck praised her teammates efforts.
"I'm gutted for us and the girls, but it was a hard fight and they [Puerto Rico] deserved it."
Looking ahead to their game against France tonight, Molloy believes the team needs to shake off the loss and approach their world number seven ranked opponents with a fresh mindset.
"We need to get ourselves physically recovered and mentally ready to play a great team."
The Tall Ferns play their third and final game of the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers tonight, taking on France at 12am.