GJ Gardner Homes Tauihi: Probuild ITM Mainland Pouākai 102 def. BNZ Northern Kāhu 62
Pouākai delivered their most complete offensive game of the season, piling on 102 in Christchurch. They controlled tempo early behind Bree Hall and Taylor Mikesell, then blew it open with a 30–17 third as turnovers turned into transition points. Marena Whittle punished mismatches off the bench, Morgan Yaeger attacked downhill, and Charlotte Whittaker/McKenna Dale owned the glass. Kāhu had moments through Lauren Mansfield and Haliegh Reinoehl but were outgunned across all four quarters.
Top performers
Pouākai: Marena Whittle 28 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast; Morgan Yaeger 17 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast; Bree Hall 13 pts, 9 reb, 4 ast
Kāhu: Haliegh Reinoehl 21 pts, 10 reb; Lauren Mansfield 11 pts, 7 ast; Tahlia Tupaea 9 pts, 6 reb
Sky Broadband Rapid League: Yellow i Glass Pouākai 37 def. BNZ Northern Kāhu 21
Pouākai locked in defensively, allowing just 1 point in the third quarter to close the regular season with authority. Emilia Ainley set the tone on the glass and getting in the stratosphere of the league record, Emma Rogers supplied the scoring punch, and Hana Lacey-Rameka hit timely buckets as the margin stretched beyond reach.
Top performers
Pouākai: Emma Rogers 17 pts; Hana Lacey-Rameka 11 pts, 4 reb; Emilia Ainley 8 pts, 14 reb
Kāhu: Azure Anderson 9 pts; Keeley Tini 5 pts; Sienna Maurice 4 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast
What it Means:
The Whai's pair of wins by a combined 56 points means they are now +105 overall with a points percentage of 107, putting the Mainlanders in position to sneak into the top two if results go their way, updated standings after last nights game:
Queens (111%) +132 points overall. Lead both ladders . They are strong favorites for a home semi based on their superior points percentage (+6% / 27pts ahead of closest team)
Hoiho (100%) +2 points overall. Sit 7-4 in Tauihi
Pouākai (107%) +105 points overall. 7-5 in Tauihi
Whai (99%) -8 points overall. 6-5 in Tauihi
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai vs Southern Hoiho - QEYC, Tauranga
Rapid 2.00pm, Tauihi 3.00pm. Live on Sky Sport 3
Last time out (Tauihi):
Hoiho outlasted Pouākai 99–94 behind a league-best 36 from Lil Dart, Rebecca Pizzey’s 17 and Claire Jacobs’ 17. Paige Bradley dished a career-high 14 assists to steer the comeback. Whai fell 88–82 in Porirua despite Hannah Hank’s 26 and Mikayla Cowling’s 23.
But the last time these two teams faced off in Dunedin it came down the the final seconds as Lil Dart's triple put the Hoiho up to set the stage for an Emme Shearer game winner with no time on the clock. Will these two teams give us another classic today?
What today means:
If Hoiho win they move to 8-4 and lock a top-two seed.
If Whai win they reach 7-5 and create a three-way tie on wins with Hoiho and Pouākai. Seeding for 2-4 would then be decided by points percentage across Tauihi and Rapid combined where the Whai currently have a massive advantage
What to look for:
Glass control vs pace
Hoiho have surged when Paige Bradley can walk the ball into two-player actions with Rebecca Pizzey and then spray to Lil Dart for trey's. Whai want to lift tempo with Jessica McDowell-White and force early cross-matches for Hannah Hank around the rim while Mikayla Cowling and Emme Shearer find room on the arc and on the drive.
Guard shot creation
Bradley is three points from 500 career and needs six assists to reach 250. Her pick-and-roll reads vs Hank in on ball help will be key. At the other end McDowell-White’s 12-assist ceiling and Emme Shearer’s catch-and-shoot threat stretch Hoiho’s weak-side help.
BNZ Northern Kāhu vs ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens - Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland
Rapid 2.00pm, Tauihi 3.00pm. Live on Sky Sport 4.
Last time out (Tauihi):
Queens edged Whai 88–82 with Kristy Wallace dropping 26, Brooke Basham 15 off the bench, and Lou Brown/Penina Davidson combining for interior control. Kāhu snapped their skid with an 81–66 win over Whai as Tahlia Tupaea scored a season-high 22 and Abigail Curtin added 23.
What it means:
No matter what happens today the Queens control their own destiny, Win and they are the top seed with their 27 point advantage over the Pouākai and 130 point advantage over the Hoiho, making a home semi final the more than likely conclusion.
What to look for:
Tempo control
With Kristy Wallace back steering, Queens flow into early posts for Davidson and drag-screens for Stella Beck. Kāhu cannot let this become a track meet in the second and third quarters.
