Four Kiwi internationals were involved in a Queensland State Basketball league (QBL) showdown last Saturday.
The four, Kalani Pucell, Natalie Taylor, Chevannah Paalvast and Micaela Cocks, departed the Tall Ferns Selection Camp last Friday and flew back to Queensland for a QBL top of the table clash.
Sisters Kalani and Natalie were left with the winning grin as Brisbane Spartans edged Mackay Meteorettes 80-77.
The scores were tied 36 apiece at half-time and although Mackay shaded the third Brisbane were not going away.
Purcell, scored 10 points in the last quarter – a lay up putting Brisbane 76-72 up with 23 seconds to play. Mackay immediately landed a three but forced to foul sent Purcell to the free throw line.
Purcell, recently signed for the WNBL season by Melbourne Boomers, iced both – 78-75.
In an exciting finish Cocks made a basket with ten seconds to play but Brisbane made another couple of freebies to edge a close one by three points.
Purcell finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds, sister Nat Taylor contributing 6 points and 4 assists for Brisbane. Paalvast and Cocks scored 12 points and 13 points respectively for Mackay.
The Meteorettes, following the defeat, are now 7-1 for the season the Spartans improving to 7-0.
The Tall Ferns squad to compete at the FIBA Asia Cup will be announced in the next couple of days.
LACEY LOWDOWN 