Tokomanawa Queens 94 def. BNZ Northern Kāhu 90
Kristy Wallace buried a clutch three with nine seconds left to lift the Queens in a back and forth thriller at Te Rauparaha Arena. The Kāhu owned the glass early, but Penina Davidson and Lou Brown steadied the Queens around the rim while Jihyun Park’s poise kept the offense humming. The fourth quarter swung on big plays at both ends. Abi Curtin powered the Kāhu back in front before Davidson answered with a timely three. Wallace then iced it from deep to push the Queens back to the top of the table while handing the Kāhu a fourth straight loss to open the season.
Top performers
Queens: Wallace 24 pts, 6 reb, 10 ast, Davidson 22 pts, 9 reb, Park 18 pts, 8 reb
Kāhu: Curtin 22 pts, 10 reb, Tupaea 16 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast, Matharu 14 pts
Sky Broadband Rapid League
Tokomanawa Queens 40 def. BNZ Northern Kāhu 24
The Queens controlled the tempo from the opening tip as Briarley Rogers sparked an early run, Paige Burrows and Josephine Trousdell kept the scoreboard moving and controlling the glass while tight half court defense held the Kāhu to 24 points, their second lowest total of the season so far. The Kāhu would find enough form to close the gap to 7 points in the 4th quarter, but a balanced 11-2 run to finish the game powered the Queens to their second biggest victory of the young season.
Top performers
Queens: Trousdell 8 pts, 5 reb, Burrows 8 pts, Rogers 7 pts.
Kāhu: Morton-Jones 10 pts, Anderson 5 pts, 7 reb, Miringaorangi 5 pts.
Probuild ITM Mainland Pouākai vs The Northern Group Tauranga Whai, Cowles Stadium Christchurch
Live on Sky Sport 3
You didn't have to wait long for the rematch as the Pouākai look to respond from a home loss to this very same Whai squad just a week ago. The Whai arrive with confidence as they followed up their powerful performance against the Pouākai with a big win over the Kāhu to complete their double header to jump to the top of the table. The home team will see Taylor Mikesell and Marena Whittle hunt threes against a Whai defense that has tightened since an opening round loss, anchored by Mikayla Cowlings prowess across multiple positions. Inside, Hannah Hank and Laina Snyder will try to keep tilting the glass in the Whai's favour, an area the Pouākai usually use to fuel transition when things are going well.
What to watch
Three point volume from Mikesell, Whittle and Dale for the home side, while Shearer and McDowell-White but Cowling has yet to heat up.
Second chance points, Hank and Snyder vs Fogg, McGoldrick and Whittaker
Turnover control coming out the half, as the Whai dominated the third term last round, using a 24-12 quarter to fuel an 8 point win.
Southern Hoiho vs BNZ Northern Kāhu, Edgar Centre Dunedin
Live on Sky Sport 3 and livestreamed on Sky Sport NZ Tik Tok
Both teams will be looking for a result but the Kāhu should be desperate not to fall to an 0-5 start to the season. The Kāhu backcourt talent can run hot, but the key will be competing on the boards and finishing possessions on the glass. The Hoiho will lean on Paige Bradley to set the table and on the size of Jessie Edwards and Rebecca Pizzey to protect the paint while impacting the glass on both ends. If Claire Jacobs and Taylah Simmons find rhythm from the wings the home team could prove difficult to keep pace with. But if Abi Curtin and Haleigh Reinoehl keep the glass even, that would allow Tupaea, Mansfield and Matharu to find space in transition and get their eye's in with second chance points.
What to watch
Rebounding by committee for the Kāhu against Edwards and Pizzey, if the boards aren't close then the score line won't be either.
Defense on the creators will be key as Bradley vs Mansfield will be matched at the point of attack, but the team who offers the better rotation on the back line will find itself in good shape.
Third quarter prowess - the Hoiho held the Kāhu to 8 third quarter points in their first match up of the season, sealing the victory early. A better performance coming out of the sheds is mandatory if the Kāhu want to pick up their first win of the season.
