Probuild ITM Mainland Pouākai 121, Southern Hoiho 83
A record setter to open the season as the Pouākai dropped a league-record 121 points, clearing the old mark by 33 as they buried 17 threes (17-of-39) while owning the glass 51-28, including 24 offensive boards. Marena Whittle was sensational with 30 points on 8-of-9 from three, with strong support from Mckenna Dale (22 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists), Taylor Mikesell (20 points, 5 rebounds) and Esra McGoldrick (20 points).
For the Hoiho, Claire Jacobs (27 points) and Lil Dart (18 points, 5 assists) provided the spark, but early foul trouble for PG Paige Bradley stalled the Hoiho rhythm.
Sky Broadband Rapid League
Yellow i Glass Mainland Pouākai 36, Southern Hoiho 38
The game started with pace imbued by both teams before the Hoiho took control, hitting timely threes to build a big lead before the home side stormed back. But the Southerners were steady down the stretch before sealing it at the stripe late. The Pouākai crashed for 12 offensive boards but could not complete the comeback in their home opener.
Standouts: Emma Rogers 11 points for Mainland; Alana Paewai 11 points, 5 rebounds and Sammy Gallaher 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals for Southern.
What it Means:
Pouākai pace-and-space is real. Shooting gravity all over the court combined with second-chance creation is a tough combo.
The Hoiho height will still be a factor this season despite the shellacking on the glass, but keeping Bradley on the floor and tidying the defensive glass are day-one priorities.
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai vs ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens
Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Tauranga
Rapid 2:00pm, Tauihi 3:00pm
How to watch Sky Sport 6 from 2:00pm (NZT) and internationally on ESPN3 (USA) and FIBA YouTube from 3:00pm (NZT)
Tickets Here
What to watch
Glass Check: Brown and Davidson are a load on the boards for the Queens. Whai must rebound as a collective rebound to ignite transition and force the Queens out of their halfcourt game.
Engines on the arc Cowling’s creation and pace vs the Wallace-Cole-Lupfer three-guard machine.
Whistle discipline Can the Whai frontline stay out of foul trouble against deep-seal post play.
RL impact Expect minutes for Sadler, Kirisome, Rogers, Parahi and Hank to set the tone in the curtain-raiser.
3 quick questions
Do the Queens control the paint or do Whai run the lanes off one-and-done stops?
Can Whai’s shooters keep pace with Cole and Lupfer from deep?
Which bench unit lands the first run when starters sit?
BNZ Northern Kāhu vs Probuild ITM Mainland Pouākai
Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland
Rapid 2:00pm, Tauihi 3:00pm
How to watch Sky Sport 4 from 2:00pm (NZT) and internationally on ESPN3 (USA) and FIBA YouTube from 3:00pm (NZT), Live stream on Sky Sport NZ tik tok
Tickets Here
What to watch
Style clash Kāhu guard-led looks with Tupaea, Matharu and Roberts vs Pouākai length and shooting.
Rebound test If Kāhu can hold serve on the glass, their guards can win the pace battle. If not, Pouākai second-chance machine rolls again.
Shot profile Will Pouākai threes fall at volume for a second straight game or can Kāhu run them off the line.
Closers Tupaea and Mansfield in late-clock management vs Mikesell’s shot-making and Whittle’s two-way play.
3 Questions
Turnover margin and defensive rebounding decide dictates tempo, who will get the upper hand?
Will early whistles on Pouākai bigs open downhill lanes for the Kāhu?
Bench punch matters in the second of the Pouākai's double header on opening weekend but will they have the juice?
