Basketball: Two losses for Goldrush

The Otago Goldrush saw its title hopes evaporate when it slipped to two losses on the opening day of the Women's Basketball Championship finals in Porirua on Thursday.

Defeats to the North Harbour Breeze (72-59) and the Waikato Wizards (74-50) spelled an end to the Goldrush's dreams of making the top four.

Instead, the Otago side was scheduled to play a plate semifinal against Canterbury last night.

The Goldrush actually led the Breeze after the first quarter, 18-17, but the powerful Harbour side took control once it found its feet.

Soraya Umaga-Jensen led all Otago scorers with 20 points and four rebounds, and Suzie Bates added 17 points. The Goldrush struggled from the floor, shooting just 34% to the Breeze's 49%.

On Thursday night, Waikato took control with a lopsided second quarter (20-8) and cruised to the finish.

Young star Aleisha Ruske had an excellent night for the Goldrush with 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Bates added 12 points and four rebounds.

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