The Tall Ferns conceded the first basket of the game to Malaysia but thereafter completely dominated proceedings on the opening night of the Commonwealth Games Basketball Tournament eventually winning 86-44.
From Kalani Purcell bossing the boards, Micaela Cocks dropping threes and point guards Jordan Hunter and Erin Rooney setting the tempo New Zealand were in charge for most of the tie. Debutant Charlisse Leger-Walker looked as if she had played a dozen games at the senior level and was even included in the starting five.
There are bigger fish to fry but it was an encouraging start to Guy Molloy’s tenure as head coach.
LACEY LOWDOWN 