The Opals managed to secure an 86-71 victory over the Tall Ferns in the Trans-Tasman Throwdown series finale in Hamilton. Isobel Borlase shined with 18 points and six rebounds, leading her team to a clean sweep and a wire-to-wire win. The Boomers, on the other hand, fell short against the Tall Blacks, losing 106-97 in a hard-fought battle. Despite the defeat, they still clinched a 2-1 series win.
Borlase, a key player in Australia’s bronze-winning Olympic squad, received strong support from Courtney Woods, who contributed 16 points and three rebounds, as well as Stephanie Reid, who tallied six assists and three steals. The Opals’ victory marked their third consecutive win against the Tall Ferns, following earlier triumphs in Adelaide and Sippy Downs.
The Boomers struggled at the start of their game, committing costly turnovers, errors, and fouls that allowed the Tall Blacks to take a commanding 16-4 lead in the first quarter. New Zealand continued to dominate, extending their lead to 30 points in the third quarter before the Boomers launched a late comeback.
Dejan Vasiljevic, who had a shaky start with two turnovers in the opening minute, managed to sink a crucial three-pointer that narrowed the deficit to just six points with 32 seconds remaining in the final quarter. However, Finn Delany’s composed free throws sealed the victory for the Tall Blacks, denying the Boomers a chance to overturn the game.
Despite the loss, the Boomers celebrated a hard-fought 2-1 series win over their rivals. The overall performance of both teams showcased the competitive spirit and talent present in Trans-Tasman basketball rivalry. The Opals’ impressive sweep against the Tall Ferns highlighted their dominance, while the Boomers’ resilience and determination in the face of adversity demonstrated their ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Overall, the Trans-Tasman Throwdown series provided thrilling matchups and intense competition, entertaining fans and showcasing the skill and passion of both Australian and New Zealand basketball teams. As the dust settles on this series, both teams will reflect on their performances, take away valuable lessons, and look ahead to future challenges and opportunities in the world of international basketball.