Florencia Chagas’ shot should not have had any significance.
The Tokomanawa Queens had led 75-37 midway through the third quarter, the game seemingly over as they tore the Southern Hoiho defence to pieces.
But the Hoiho showed their spirit last night. They mounted a furious comeback to cut the deficit to 12 points with three minutes to play, putting themselves in a position to claim an unlikely win.
But Chagas hit a much-needed three-pointer, staving off the final push and clinching an 89-74 win for the Queens in Wellington last night.
Laina Snyder was at her devastating best during the comeback. The American forward poured in 31 points — including seven triples at 70%, before missing two late prayers.
Samara Gallaher also provided 15 points, while Nicole Ruske and Zoe Richards both found their way to foul line to score nine and eight respectively. However, much of it came too late.
The Queens scored far too easily in the first half, Stella Beck (20 points) initially torching them for 16 points on 100% shooting in the first quarter.
She cooled off as the game progressed, but was ably supported by a starting line-up which all scored in double figures.
They won the second quarter 31-14 to lead 56-30 at halftime, which grew to 75-37 as the Queens ran rampant early in the third quarter. However, the Hoiho zone began to slow down, and eventually stop, the Queens.
At the other end, their confidence grew. Snyder could not miss, while Ruske and Richards both began driving aggressively and got to the foul line regularly.
The deficit steadily diminished, and the score reached 86-74 when Shelby Cheslek put in a free throw.
Chagas answered with her triple, though, and the Hoiho were held scoreless for the final three minutes.
Tauihi Basketball
The scores
Queens 89
Stella Beck 20, Florencia Chagas 15
Hoiho 74
Laina Snyder 31, Samara Gallaher 15
Quarter scores: 25-16, 56-30, 80-56
