Mainland Pouākai v Northern Kāhu
Tonight, Christchurch, 7.30pm
The Kāhu have the doubleheader and are already out of playoff contention. But they have already caused havoc for the top four — after notching their first win last week — and will play a big hand in where others finish.
The Pouākai sit third on the ladder after going down 99-94 to the Southern Hoiho last week. They have been struggling without big Abigail Fogg, who has been sidelined with concussion, and three-point weapon Marena Whittle.
If the Pouākai win, they move to 7-5 and stay in the hunt for a home semifinal. If they lose, they will finish third or fourth.
If the Hoiho, who sit second, win their game, the Pouākai likely finish third. If the Whai beat the Hoiho, it opens a three-team tie on seven wins, and will come down to an overall points percentage, which includes both Tauihi and Rapid League games.
Whai v Southern Hoiho
Tomorrow, Tauranga, 3pm
The toughest game of the round that every other team is relying on.
The Whai will be desperate to bounce back after they lost twice last weekend and slipped from top spot to fourth. But Emme Shearer broke Hoiho hearts with her buzzer-beater to give the Whai a 83-81 victory in their last encounter earlier this month. The Hoiho have won three on the bounce since and continue to grow as a team.
If the Hoiho beat the Whai, they will secure a top-two finish and if the Tokomanawa Queens lose on Sunday, first seed is in their grasp.
If they lose to the Whai, it will come down to points percentage and the Hoiho could finish as low as fourth.
If the Whai win, and the Pouākai lose, the Whai are odds on finishing second. But if the Whai win, and the Pouākai win, the Whai will finish either second or third, depending on points percentage.
Northern Kāhu v Tokomanawa Queens
Sunday, Auckland, 3pm
The Queens are in the driver’s seat to finish the season in top spot. They have a commanding points percentage lead (111%) over the rest heading into this game. The Queens, who have already won the Rapid League, thumped the Kāhu 85-63 back in round three and edged them 94-90 the following week.
If the Wellington team win, they lock in top spot and host the semifinal. But if they lose, and the Hoiho win, the Queens will finish second.
In the case of both the Queens and the Hoiho losing, the Queens should still hold top spot on points percentage.
