G.J. GARDNER HOMES TAUIHI
The Probuild ITM Mainland Pouākai (68) defeat The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (63)
The Whai came entered the game with the opportunity to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the field and played like it early, as Laina Snyder and Hannah Hank imposed their will on the game in the early goings, helping the home team forge a 21-18 lead at quarter time. The defense for both teams held firm in the second period as they combined for 29 points and the lead extended to 4 before things erupted in the third. The Whai would score 26, led by McKenna Dales 21 pts and 15rbs, as they picked up the pace and found more accuracy from deep to run off 10 straight points to take control of the game. The Whai had one more run left, and pushed hard down the stretch, but could get no closer than 3 points as the Pouākai closed with poise behind the shot making of Bree Hall and Taylor Mikesell to take the five point victory. The win is the Pouākai's 6th of the season against 4 losses, the same record as the Queens and Hoiho while the Whai sit 6-3, meaning points percentage will surely come into play when deciding home court advantage for the finals.
Scoreline & Top Performers:
Sky Broadband Rapid League
The Tauranga Whai (35) defeat the Yellow i Glass Mainland Pouākai (21)
The Whai hosted the Pouākai at the QEYC and the guests jumped to a 10-7 first quarter as 15 year-old Emilia Ainley led a balanced attack. The second quarter was a different story as the Sophie's (Rogers and Locandro) combined for 11 of 13 points on offense while the Whai collective locked down the Pouākai to run a 13-0 quarter and grab a 10 point halftime lead. The Pouākai would push in the second half but the damage was done as the deficit would prove to large to pull back, the Whai taking the 35-21 win.
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