The Silver Ferns suffered a heavy 68–51 defeat to the Australian Diamonds in Sydney, falling 2–0 behind in the Constellation Cup after a disastrous third-quarter collapse.
Despite a strong first half and a more cohesive midcourt, a 21–9 blowout in the third stanza erased New Zealand’s momentum.
Skipper Karin Burger admitted the team is under pressure amid the ongoing coaching saga but vowed they remain committed to the black dress. The Ferns will seek redemption in game three in Hamilton on Sunday.
