The Otago Goldrush has stormed into the final of the Women's Basketball Championship, thanks to Tall Fern pair Jillian Harmon and Samara Gallaher.
Harmon (18) and Gallaher (19) combined for 37 points to help their side defeat the Waikato Wizards 70-53 in the semifinal in Porirua last night. Harmon also grabbed 14 rebounds and made five assists, while Gallaher poached six steals.
The Goldrush led for most of the match but sealed the victory only with a final-quarter surge, outscoring its opponent 18-5.
Auckland Counties-Manukau Lady Hawks beat the Nelson Sparks 58-51 in the other semifinal, but will go into today's final as huge underdogs having been dispatched 74-52 by the Goldrush in pool play on Thursday.
Barring a dramatic form reversal, the Goldrush ought to return to Dunedin on Sunday with its first banner since 2011.
• Tall Ferns coach Kennedy Kereama has named Harmon and Gallaher among a 23-strong squad to trial for the Oceania championship series against Australia in August.
She will add two further players after the conclusion of the championship in Porirua today.
Tall Ferns triallists: Micaela Cocks, Jordan Hunter, Georgia Agnew, Shea Crotty, Stella Beck, Samara Gallaher, Jasmine Davis, Moengaroa Subritzki, Morgan Roberts, Natalie Taylor, Logan Thunder, Kalani Purcell, Chevannah Paalvast, Deena Franklin, Jillian Harmon, Lisa Wallbutton, Connie Poletti, Jess Bygate, Jess Tuki, Megan Craig, Penina Davidson, Alicia Carline, Tessa Boagni, Josie Stockill. Players selected but unavailable: Antonia Edmondson, Maia Wilson, Erin Rooney, Rhaiah Spooner-Knight, Krystal Leger-Walker.
