Basketball: Goldrush too good for Lady Hawks

Otago destroyed Auckland Counties-Manukau 72-48 in its Women's Basketball Championships playoff match in Porirua yesterday.

The Goldrush dominated the opening two quarters, powering away to lead 39-18 by halftime.

The Lady Hawks were more competitive in the second spell but the Goldrush had built an unassailable lead.

American centre Natalie Visger led Otago with 14 points and five rebounds.

Experienced point guard Janet Main scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds, and the Ruske sisters, Nicole and Aleisha, combined for 24 points from the bench in what was a fine team effort.

Breana Jones and Sharne Robati scored 10 points apiece for the Lady Hawks.

"The girls actually came out and dominated right from the start, so it was quite nice,'' coach Todd Marshall said.

"Because we had such a good start I was able to go to my bench early and they continued the momentum really.''

While Otago was impressive, so too was Canterbury.

The Wildcats beat the Waitakere Lady Rangers 84-60 and they appear the biggest threat to Otago defending its title.

The Goldrush's next match is against the Taranaki Thunder this morning.

The Thunder also had a win against the Lady Hawks yesterday, winning 58-53.

Marshall scouted the game and believes the Thunder will present a bigger challenge than the Lady Hawks who were without classy point guard Jordan Hunter.

"They look nice and organised and I'd say they are going to be tougher than Auckland.

"They are young but we are going to have to make sure we play good 'D' because they are really structured.''

Both sides are through to semifinals having beaten the Lady Hawks, but the winner will get an easier fixture.

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