YESTERDAY
Another week where we jump back yesterday-yesterday to Thursday night when the ProBuild ITM Mainland Pouākai moved to the top of the G.J. Gardner Homes Tauihi ladder with a comfortable 88-66 win over the Southern Hoiho. Though it was a relatively close contest early, the Hoiho just couldn't match the tenacity and run of the in-form Pouākai. The task was made tougher for the Hoiho with the absence of Zoe Richards (whiplash), while Samantha Bowman went into the game under an injury cloud (though sill played 35 minutes).
The loss leaves the Hoiho reeling at the foot of the ladder and heading home to deal with the BNZ Northern Kāhu on Sunday where a loss for the southerners will see their Final 4 aspirations finished. On the flipside, the Pouākai are the competition's in-form team, they sit on top of the ladder (for now) and will earn a home final if they beat the ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens in R10.
TODAY
The Queens host The Northern Group Tauranga Whai in Palmerston North tonight - a great move by the management of the Queens to take a Tauihi game to this proud basketball region for the very first time. The Queens are on a bit of a slide right now and desperately need a win to keep their chances alive for a home semi-final, while for the Whai there is equally a big incentive given a win will lock them into the Final 4 and end the Hoiho's finals hopes.
Stella Beck (personal) will miss this game, but in better news for the Queens - Jordan Horston (ankle) has been cleared to play. The Whai have lost twice already this season to the Queens, but this game signals the first time they will be at full strength, and in their best form. Both teams have so much to play for, but the Whai are in better form and will start favourites.
Of particular note, the Queens are having real trouble containing opposition guards and one of the competition's very best is paying them a visit - look for Whai WNBL star Ashley Joens to be a huge factor in this game.
TOMORROW
We head back south tomorrow for what looms as a possible one-sided contest between the Hoiho and Kāhu - it's the same match-up from R8, on the same court, and it is likely to end in a win again for the Kāhu. By the time this game tips-off, depending on the result the previous night from Fly Palmy Arena, the Final 4 aspirations for the Hoiho might be done and dusted - however, if the Queens beat the Whai, then this is a live game for the Hoiho and they will need to pull out all stops.
Zoe Richards (whiplash) is expected to miss again, which is a huge blow for the Hoiho.
The Hoiho have been hot and cold this season, especially with their shooting, and it has proven costly. A bright spot has been the rise of Aliyah Dunn, who we saw a lot more of on Thursday night in Richards' absence, and we are now likely to see her go into battle here against Penina Davidson - what a great test.
