Taryn shows Australia's Bond in rivalry victory

Australia crushed New Zealand 98-48 at Tuanaimato Gym 2 in Samoa. Taryn Bond's 17 points led a devastating 50-point victory that showcased Australia's depth and defensive intensity.

Key Details

• Result: Australia 98 def. New Zealand 48
• Where: Tuanaimato Gym 2, Samoa

By the Numbers

• Taryn Bond (Australia) starred with 17 points, three rebounds, four steals in 20 minutes.
• Sitaya Fagan (Australia) contributed 16 points, 13 rebounds, two steals and one block in 19 minutes.

What Happened

Australia established complete control from the opening tip, delivering a masterful performance that left New Zealand searching for answers. Australia's balanced offensive attack and suffocating defence resulted in a comprehensive 50-point victory that highlighted their championship credentials.

The Australian attack was ruthlessly efficient, with five players reaching double figures. Bond led the charge with a stellar 17-point performance, shooting an outstanding 6-from-10 from the field including perfect execution from the charity stripe. Her 60% field goal percentage epitomised Australia's clinical finishing throughout the contest.

Fagan provided the perfect complement with a dominant double-double performance, collecting 16 points and 13 rebounds while showcasing her versatility on both ends of the court. Isabel Smith contributed 13 points on exceptional 4-from-6 shooting, while Cheyenne Bobongie added nine points and five assists in a well-rounded display.

Australia's offensive efficiency was exceptional, shooting 52% from the field and an impressive 63.5% from two-point range. While their three-point shooting was modest at 26.1%, the Sapphires more than compensated with dominant interior play and relentless pressure in the paint. Their 14-from-21 performance from the foul line demonstrated composure under pressure.

Defensively, Australia was simply outstanding, forcing New Zealand into countless difficult shots while controlling the boards with a 54-39 rebounding advantage. The Sapphires recorded 14 steals and 11 blocks, showcasing their ability to create turnovers and protect the rim effectively.

This defensive intensity translated directly into offensive opportunities, with Australia converting defensive stops into easy scoring chances.

The victory margin of 50 points reflected Australia's complete dominance across all facets of the game. Their depth was particularly impressive, with ten different players contributing meaningful minutes and eight players recording points. This balanced approach suggests excellent preparation and tactical execution from the coaching staff.

Australia's ball movement was exemplary, tallying 16 assists while committing just 15 turnovers. This careful ball handling allowed them to maximise their offensive possessions while limiting New Zealand's transition opportunities.

Australia's ability to share the basketball and create open looks for teammates was a key factor in their shooting efficiency.

The Sapphires will take on the Cook Islands at 11am (AEDT) on Friday.