Result: ProcureX Mainland Pouākai (78) are defeated by The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (82).
Whai claimed a thrilling 82–78 road victory over Mainland Pouākai, overcoming a late comeback to secure the win. Whai established an early advantage, leading 25–18 after the first quarter and extending their lead to 48–36 at halftime.
Pouākai fought back in the second half, led by Morgan Yaeger's 28 points, closing the gap to 63–61 heading into the final quarter. Emme Shearer powered Whai's offence with 24 points, while Laina Snyder added a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds. With the scores tied at 78–78 in the closing seconds, Carla Pitman drained a clutch three-pointer to put Whai ahead before Ashlee Strawbridge added a free throw to seal the victory.
Leading Players
Mainland Pouākai: Morgan Yaeger (28 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST), Mikayla Vaughn (12 PTS, 2 REB, 2 AST), McKenna Dale (11 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST)
Tauranga Whai: Emme Shearer (24 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST), Laina Snyder (16 PTS, 15 REB, 3 AST), Patricia Brossmann (12 PTS, 7 AST, 2 REB)
Tauihi MVP Votes
10 Votes: Eva Langton (Whai)
7 Votes: Sari Mowbray (Pouākai)
4 Votes: Carla Pitman (Whai)
3 Votes: Eva Jeffries (Pouākai)
3 Votes: Ruby Cutbush (Pouākai)
2 Votes: Mayako Taingahue (Whai)
1 Vote: Sophie Rogers (Whai)
Rapid League game:
Result: Mainland Pouākai (25) are defeated by Tauranga Whai (35)
Tauranga Whai secured a 35–25 victory over Mainland Pouākai after a tightly contested first half. Leading 18–15 at halftime, Whai pulled away in the third quarter with key three-pointers from Sophie Rogers and Shamar Broughton to take a 30–19 lead. Eva Langton led Whai with 10 points, while Sari Mowbray top-scored for Pouākai with eight.
Leading Players
Mainland Pouākai: Sari Mowbray (8 PTS, 2 REB, 1 AST), Ruby Cutbush (7 PTS, 1 REB, 1 STL)
Tauranga Whai: Eva Langton (10 PTS, 3 REB, 1 STL), Shamar Broughton (7 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Eva Langton (Whai) - 10
Sari Mowbray (Pouākai) - 7
Carla Pitman (Whai) - 4
Eva Jeffries (Pouākai) - 3
Ruby Cutbush (Pouākai) - 3
Mayako Taingahue (Whai) - 2
Sophie Rogers (Whai) - 1
