And a win tonight could help give the Southern Hoiho a little wiggle room.
The Hoiho technically sit fourth on the Tauihi table and will be keen to wrap up the regular season at home with another strong victory over the Mainland Pouākai at the Edgar Centre tonight.
The Whai — who, alongside the Northern Kahu, have played one less game — sit clear at the top of the table with six wins and three losses.
Then things get tight.
The Tokomanawa Queens, the Pouākai and the Hoiho all have six wins and four losses.
The Queens — whom the Hoiho had to come from behind to beat last week — sit second on percentage, followed by the Pouākai and the Hoiho.
"You’re not going to know where things are at until the end of the last round — it’s just going to be too close," Hoiho coach Todd Marshall said.
The Queens and the Pouākai both meet the Kahu, who are winless after nine games, in the next round, while the Hoiho will play the Whai on the road.
The Hoiho have gelled well and that was key when they rallied in the second half to beat the Queens 75-68.
"We were showing some good grit, and good fights, and really sorted out our defence in that second half. It got better and better, so that was nice."
The Hoiho spread their efforts across the floor, leading the league for field goal percentage (43.2%) and free throw percentage (77.8%).
Bec Pizzey leads for field goal percentage (56.8%) and two-point percentage (64.4%) and Lil Dart leads the three point percentage (46.3%).
Claire Jacobs sits first in free throw shooting (91.3%), Jessie Edwards is first-equal for blocks (17) and Paige Bradley leads in assists (64).
They have an intriguing match-up tonight against the Pouākai.
The Hoiho crushed their South Island rivals 102-66 last month, where five players finished on double figures.
The Pouākai, who were without Abigail Fogg and Marena Whittle, came from behind to beat the Whai 68-63 last week.
That was sparked by McKenna Dale’s double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds.
Marshall knew his team needed to front up.
"It’s going to be another tough game. They all feel like you’re almost playing finals basketball already, because everything is so contested.
Marshall hoped there was a good crowd for their final round robin home game.
"We got a good turnout on Sunday and that was really nice, so it'll be nice to see that come again, because [it’s] good basketball."
