One game down and two games to go. Here's where we sit with R4 underway.
YESTERDAY
BNZ Northern Kāhu 76 defeated ProBuild ITM Pouākai 50 in a dominant display last night. Smarting from a loss to the Pouākai in Christchurch just six days earlier, the Kāhu perfected a 35-point turnaround as they turned their defensive pressure all the way up to 10.
Tahlia Tupaea was the star of the show with 29 points and 5 triples, Iimar'I Thomas continued her scoring blitz with 24 points, while Penina Davidson added a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Chloe Forster was instrumental in the victory with her relentless defense on Mikhaela Cann (4 points).
It was a tough night for the Pouākai and a very different contest to their previous meeting. A lowly 30 per cent shooting clip and 20 turnovers were big thorns for the visitors, especially the turnovers which the Kāhu converted into 25 points.
A fourth win of the season for the Kāhu, while the Pouākai return home to play the Hoiho on Sunday afternoon.
TODAY
For the first time in the G.J. Gardner Homes Tauihi we head to Taupo today where The Northern Group Tauranga Whai will host the ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens. These two teams delivered a thriller last week, the Queens winning 92-90 on their home floor.
Mikayala Cowling (illness) continues to be sidelined for the Whai, while Morgan Yaeger continues her rehab from a broken wrist suffered in the opening minutes of the Whai's season opener.
Once again, we get to see Jordan Horston go up against Ashley Joens, a match-up that delivered so many big moments last week. We also get to see rising Kiwi star Pahlyss Hokianga tackle the task of slowing Florencia Chagas again, a job she did reasonably well last week and will have taken away many learnings.
With Tamari Key (ankle) sidelined Jihyun Park will slide back into the starting line-up, which presents the Whai with another match-up headache. On the plus side, Laina Snyder found some form last Sunday in Dunedin and will be hoping to keep that run going here against the Queens.
A key battle will be Lou Brown and her job of trying to contain Lara McSpadden, who delivered a massive double-double last week in Porirua. Whoever comes out on top could be the deciding factor in what should be another close contest.
Breaking News: Queens centre Tamari Key will miss the game after tweaking her ankle at training, while Mikayala Cowling's return from a foot injury has been delayed due to illness.
Who: Whai vs Queens
Where: Taupo Events Centre
When: Rapid League 6:30pm / Tauihi 7:30pm
Tickets: CLICK HERE
TOMORROW
The Pouākai head home after a big loss in Auckland and will need to quickly shake it off with a confident Southern Hoiho paying a visit. Todd Marshall's team ramped up their defensive game against the Whai last week and it delivered a much-needed win. In particular Natalie Chou's defensive job on Ashley Joens was a showstopper and a job here against McKenzie Forbes will be important.
Unfortunately for the Pouākai they will again be without centre Cassandra Brown, which is a blow with the imposing and bustling play of Hoiho's Samantha Bowman sure to keep the home team's forwards busy - expect Haleigh Reinoehl to get that job. The match-up between Zoe Richards and Esra McGoldrick will be fun to watch as well.
Paige Bradley and Mikhaela Cann will lock horns in a decisive battle, while Chelsea D'Angelo will again be a key for the Hoiho off the bench and the Pouākai will need to be mindful of the damage she can cause at both ends of the floor.
Last time these teams clashed the Hoiho blew a 19-point lead. This time around it's hard seeing either team get that sort of gap on the other.
Can the Pouākai split a tough weekend, or will the Hoiho keep their renewed confidence rolling?
Breaking News: Australian Chelsea D'Angelo has been named to start for the Hoiho, replacing Ahlise Hurst who will come off the bench and be eligible to play in the Rapid League.
Who: Pouākai vs Hoiho
Where: Cowles Stadium, Christchurch
When: Rapid League 2pm / Tauihi 3pm
Tickets: CLICK HERE
