Ajax make statement with demolition of Varsity

Zoe Richards. Photo: supplied
Zoe Richards. Photo: supplied
Ajax have stamped themselves as hot favourites as the Dunedin women’s club playoffs loom.

They showed all their quality in a second emphatic win in as many weeks on Tuesday night, as they beat Varsity 80-49.

It was a statement display against the two-time defending champions, as Ajax look to reclaim the title they have owned for much of their history.

Elise Gilbert was to the fore, pouring in 28 points and contributing to much of the run as Ajax raced away in the second quarter.

Zoe Richards added 20 points, while Samara Gallaher also had a strong night and had 12 of her own.

When it comes to straight quality, that is a tough trio to match in club basketball.

And so it proved.

Varsity stuck with Ajax through the first quarter, though, as both teams were guilty of turnovers in a messy period.

Natalie Ivamy finished at the hoop to open, before Gallaher hit a three-pointer to give Ajax a 5-0 lead.

But Varsity responded, and after a pair of deep mid-range jump shots from Legacy Harrison (12 points), they had the score back to 9-7.

Gilbert added two baskets of her own shortly after, but Abby Harris got to the hoop twice to bring Varsity to within two at 15-13 to end the first quarter.

At that point Ajax did their damage.

Richards finished through contact for a three-point play, before Gilbert added the majority of points in a devastating run.

That left Ajax leading 31-15, when Hannah Beede hit a mid-range jumper off an offensive rebound.

Varsity were getting enough good looks through that period, they just could not finish.

And while they began to hit back again, they trailed 36-21 at halftime.

Richards came into the action again early in the third quarter, and when she hit a three-pointer, the lead grew beyond 20 at 49-28.

By the end of the quarter it was 56-33, leaving Ajax to cruise away to a big win.

In the other game, the South Pac Magic beat the Andy Bay Falcons 92-59, pulling away through the second half.

Tia Pavihi had 23 points for the Magic, while Fay Fualau-Searle and Mary Salvana had 18 and 17 respectively.

Aria Brown led the Falcons with 22 points.