Three games in four days proved to be of little concern for the Waikato Wizards as they took care of business on Day 4 of the Sal’s NBL at Pulman Arena on Sunday.
The Wizards defeated Te Wānanga O Raukawa Capital Swish 92-40 in a complete team performance.
Charlisse Leger-Walker led the way with 23 points and 12 rebounds while Kayla Manuirirangi scored 20 points making 4 from 7 from beyond the arc.
Also prominent were Krystal Leger-Walker (15 points and 8 assists), Maka Daysh (14 points) and Pep Flavell (5 points and 8 rebounds).
Daysh, as she had the previous day against Gold Rush, made a couple of early buckets for the Wizards however with Lativa Whippy making the first 7 points for Swish the opening few minutes were tight.
Arielle Parai and Manuirirangi scored from beyond the arc - Wizards ahead 19-11 at quarter time.
The Wizards defence was stifling the Swish that had almost as many turnovers as points as they trailed 24-13.
Krystal Leger-Walker’s And-1 play pushed the Wizards advantage towards 20 points, a scooped lay-up from sister Charlisse moved that margin closer.
A half dominated by defence concluded with the Wizards 36-15 to the good.
The Swish enjoyed a spell of success as Whippy, Jacinta Beckley and Josie Stockley made scores but Manuirirangi and Breana Jones pushed the Wizards lead out beyond thirty points.
Flavell, Charlisse and Krystal L-W continued to cause mayhem – Wizards with a massive 66-23 advantage.
Wizards coach Leanne Walker was able to introduce teenage debutant Hana Lacey-Rameka and her late 3-point effort helped the Wizards make it three big wins in three outings.
Waikato Wizards (92) defeated Capital Swish (40)
WIZARDS: C Leger-Walker 23/12r, K Manuirirangi 20, K Leger-Walker 15/8a, M Daysh 14
SWISH: L Whippy 9, J Davey 9, J Stockill 8/10r, L Taulelei 6
Talking Points
1. The Wizards are on a roll – victory margins of 55, 52 and 35 are worrying numbers for the other challengers.
2. For Capital Swish to enjoy success 2020 All-Star Letava Whippy would need to be at her best. She was one of the team’s better performers but could do little to stop the freight train that is the Wizards.
3. Three games in four days can be a challenge for any team but with the depth they have on the bench the Wizards are better equipped to deal with fatigue issues than most. Hailey Moala, Kayla Manuirirangi, Breana Jones and Tash Lenden give coach Leanne Walker plenty of experience and cover to call upon.
Bartercard MVP Votes
9 points – C Leger-Walker (Wizards)
9 points – K Leger -Walker (Wizards)
5 points – L Whippy (Swish)
3 points – K Manuirirangi (Wizards)
2 points – M Flavell (Wizards)
1 point - N Sopoaga (Swish)
1 point – J Stockill (Swish)
All games are at Bruce Pulman Arena in Takanini, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Tickets are $10 (adults) / Free (U18s) and available at www.salsnblwomen.flicket.co.nz
