YTT this week focuses on another barnstorming win for the Whai, a Pouākai team desperately hoping not to go home empty handed, and a Queens outfit seeking redemption after collapsing to a R5 final quarter onslaught in Christchurch,
YESTERDAY'S YESTERDAY
Once again, we go back two days for our deep dive into yesterday, and what a great result it was for The Northern Group Whai over the ProBuild ITM Mainland Pouākai. Season 2024 in Tauihi continues to be extremely hard to pick a winner, perhaps except maybe for the Kāhu, and after two big wins it is hard to believe the Whai was in a slump after five straight losses just a week ago. However, dare we say it again, the introduction of McKenna Dale into the starting line-up has worked wonders. The Whai all of a sudden look complete - both sharp and capable of scoring every time down the floor - it's their defence and how it evolves that will be fascinating to watch. While the Whai are on the rise, the Pouākai remain as inconsistent as ever, and clearly look a better team at home than they do on the road - let's not forget the Pouākai have taken down both the Kāhu and Queens at Cowles Stadium. The Whai's starting five all feasted in the 91-71 win, while for the Pouākai it was tough going at times, especially for Haleigh Reinoehl (4 points and an ankle injury) and Sharne Robati (0 points).
TODAY
An interesting battle on the cards in Auckland - the Kāhu come in off the back of a 33-point win over the Whai in R5, while the Pouākai are still licking their wounds from a 20-point loss against the Whai on Thursday night. Despite the math of those two results pointing toward a strong Kāhu win here, plus the memory of a 26-point win for the Kāhu over the Pouākai on this court back on October 25, we must remember that the Pouākai did beat the ladder leaders in Christchurch back in R3. Cassandra Brown is back on court and will keep Penina Davidson busy, but all eyes will be firmly on McKenzie Forbes and Tahlia Tuapea in another battle between two players who refused to take a backward step when last they met. On that occasion Tupaea taught Forbes a lesson - now we get to see them go at it again.
WHAT: BNZ Northern Kāhu vs ProBuild ITM Mainland Pouākai
WHERE: Eventfinda Stadium
WHEN: Saturday November 9
TIME: Rapid League @ 6:30pm / Tauihi @ 7:30pm
WATCH: Live on Sky Sport 2, ESPN 3 (United States), FIBA You Tube (globally)
TICKETS: click HERE
TOMORROW
We head to Dunedin tomorrow with the Hoiho (2-4) hosting the Queens (3-2) in a return bout from the opening game of the season - on that occasion the Queens grabbed a 73-68 win without Jordan Horston and Florencia Chagas. This time around, the Hoiho will need to contend with both Queens stars, but the bigger story here might be how the Queens respond from their capitulation in Christchurch last Sunday. Leading by 19 points with 12 minutes to play, and having been in control for the whole game, the Queens fell to pieces down the stretch. No doubt there has been some soul-searching during the week. Tamari Key must be nearing a return from an ankle injury, which could prove a further headache for the Hoiho as well. The Queens will start favourites, but with the Whai now starting to find form (and climbing the ladder), the Hoiho have dropped to last and need a win here to stay in touch with the top four.
WHAT: Southern Hoiho vs ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens
WHERE: Edgar Centre
WHEN: Sunday November 10
TIME: Rapid League @ 2pm / Tauihi @ 3pm
WATCH: Live on Sky Sport 2, ESPN 3 (United States), FIBA You Tube (globally)
TICKETS: click HERE
