Result: Northern Kahu (87) are defeated by Mainland Pouākai (94)
In a high-scoring, back-and-forth contest, the Mainland Pouākai held on for a hard-fought 94-87 victory over the Northern Kāhu at Eventfinda Stadium.
The game was a true shootout from the opening tip, with both teams trading blows throughout the first half. The Pouākai edged ahead 31–28 after the first quarter, but the Kāhu responded in the second to level the scores at 48-48 heading into the break. Morgan Yaeger was instrumental for Mainland throughout, hitting timely three-pointers and free throws, while Mikayla Pivec and Esra McGoldrick provided scoring punch inside. For the Kāhu, Talya Brugler and Mo Mullings kept their side in it with strong play in the paint.
The third quarter saw the Pouākai begin to assert control, outscoring the Kāhu 20-19 to take a narrow 68-67 lead into the final frame. The fourth quarter was a tense, seesaw affair, with the Kāhu repeatedly cutting the deficit to a single possession. Erin Bollmann was huge for Northern, hitting clutch threes and scoring inside, while Ella Fotu and Tayla Dalton also made key contributions.
With the game on the line in the final minute, the Pouākai's composure at the free-throw line proved decisive. Mckenna Dale and Morgan Yaeger combined to sink six straight free throws in the closing seconds to keep Mainland ahead, and the Kāhu were unable to find a late equaliser. A missed layup by Mullings with eight seconds remaining effectively sealed the win for the Pouākai.
For the Pouākai, Yaeger led all scorers with a game-high effort, while Pivec and McGoldrick were excellent in support. The Kāhu were paced by Bollmann's all-around performance and strong inside play from Mullings and Brugler, but they were left to rue missed opportunities at the free-throw line and a few costly turnovers down the stretch.
In the end, this was a thrilling contest that could have gone either way, a game that showcased the best of Tauihi basketball.
Leading Players
Northern Kāhu: Mo Mullings (25P, 1R, 2A), Talya Brugler (17P, 7R, 1A), Erin Bollmann (15P, 7R, 9A)
Mainland Pouākai: Morgan Yaeger (26P, 6R, 7A), Mikayla Pivec (15P, 12R, 5A), Mckenna Dale (11P, 6R, 2A)
Rapid League game:
Result: Northern Kāhu (42) defeat Mainland Pouākai (21)
In a one-sided Rapid League contest, the Northern Kāhu made light work of the Mainland Pouākai, securing a comfortable 42-21 victory at Eventfinda Stadium.
The Kāhu set the tone from the opening tip, building an 8-3 lead after the first quarter and extending it to 17-10 by halftime. Sienna Maurice was instrumental throughout, knocking down timely three-pointers and scoring inside, while Kayla Manuirirangi and Olivia Williams added valuable contributions on both ends of the floor. The Pouākai struggled to find any offensive rhythm, managing just 3 points in the first quarter and 7 in the second, which left them with a mountain to climb.
The third quarter proved to be the decisive period, as the Kāhu exploded for 15 points while holding Mainland to just 4. Emily Monaghan and Azure Anderson sparked the run with sharp shooting and aggressive drives to the basket, pushing the lead to 32-14 heading into the final frame. The Pouākai showed brief signs of life in the fourth, with Ruby Cutbush hitting a couple three-pointers, but it was far too little, too late. Katie Moors and Maurice continued to punish the Pouākai inside, and the Kāhu cruised to the finish line.
For the Kāhu, Maurice led all scorers with a game high effort, while Monaghan, Williams, and Moors all chipped in with important baskets. The Pouākai were paced by Cutbush's late three-pointers and some inside work from Emilia Ainley, but their inability to generate consistent offense over the four quarters proved to be their undoing.
Leading Players
Northern Kāhu: Sienna Maurice (12P, 1R, 1A), Olivia Williams (9P, 4R)
Mainland Pouākai: Emilia Ainley (7P, 3R), Sari Mowbray (6P, 1R, 1A)
