Athletics

Taking the Cup

Written by Sarah Finney, Athletics

January 30, 2018

SU Women's Basketball Team

Image credit: SU Athletics

Jacinta Beckley, a 2018 Seattle University graduate, helped the New Zealand national team win the William Jones Cup last weekend in Taiwan. The New Zealand native started all five games in the tournament, as the Tall Ferns claimed their first title in the event’s 37-year history. 

Jacinta Beckley, a 2018 Seattle University graduate, helped the New Zealand national team win the William Jones Cup last weekend in Taiwan. The New Zealand native started all five games in the tournament, as the Tall Ferns claimed their first title in the event’s 37-year history. 

New Zealand entered the William Jones Cup as the 42nd-ranked nation in the world. It smashed India, 114-39, to open action in New Taipei City. Beckley recorded 12 points and five rebounds in the win. 

The Tall Ferns followed with a 93-74 win over South Korea, as Beckley sank three three-pointers. They knocked off two Chinese teams to set up a de facto final with unbeaten and 13th-ranked Japan. After trailing at halftime, New Zealand rallied, outscoring Japan, 28-12, in the fourth quarter to claim an 85-74 victory. 

New Zealand will look to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics next year. The FIBA Asia Cup is scheduled for Sept. 22-29, 2019. 

Beckley (back row, second from left) concluded a stellar career at SU in 2018, earning All-WAC Second Team honors as a senior. She was a key member of the Redhawks’ run to their first-ever WAC Championship and first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. Graduating with a degree in criminal justice and psychology, Beckley earned Academic All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) recognition in three of her years at SU.