There is good news and bad news.
The bad news is the Southern Hoiho lost 89-67 to the Whai in their Tauihi league game last night.
But they did not leave empty handed, picking up a point after winning their second Rapid League game of the season.
That could come in handy for their playoff placing — currently sitting third — having only one game this round compared to most other team’s two.
It was a tight tussle in Tauranga, but the Whai shook off the visitors in the final period, recording a 25-to-nine quarter.
Zoe Richards was brilliant, putting together her best performance of the season.
She picked up a season best double of 30 points and 11 rebounds.
The Hoiho were limited for height without Ashten Prechtel, on the sideline in supporting her team, whose season is over with a foot injury.
But that did not faze them as they locked in on defence and took their second-chance points when they were offered up.
Samara Gallaher snaffled one early and hit Sophie Adams who drilled a three.
The Whai’s transition through court in the opening quarter was sublime, led by Mikayla Cowling.
Her ability to create something from broken play was great and the Hoiho struggled to contain her impact.
She went flying down the court, found Mckenna Dale under the hoop to finish it off and lead 20-14 at the break.
After dominating much of the first period, the Whai struggled in the second.
The Hoiho locked in early, shutting Cowling down and that momentum shifted to Richards.
Richards was on fire, showing just why she is nominated for most improved player this season.
She showed her repertoire, rolling in nice shots, and hit a season-best 23 points by halftime.
Jen O’Connell made a great steal. Bradley drove down the court and her look-away pass found Richards free.
The Whai’s work rate dropped off and they were disrupted by the Hoiho.
They stayed in touch and Aaliyah Wilson scored before halftime to lead 38-37.
Wilson carried that form into the third, which her side had the better of.
Dale’s shots starting falling, her grind to the basket was solid and her connection to Cowling came to the fore.
They found dished-off nice assists for one another.
Jade Kirisome caused havoc, picking up three steals, helping the Whai turn them into points.
Wilson finished how she started the period, scoring to lead 64-58 at the break.
They jumped out to a 67-58 early in the fourth, but they could not shake the Hoiho who fought back.
But unforced errors let the Whai out to an 11-point lead. They managed the game from there.
Earlier, the Hoiho forced the first over time Rapid League game when Tyler Mitchell drilled a three to level it 26-26.
They kept the Whai scoreless in the additional one minute, winning 33-26 to secure the win.
O’Connell was massive, adding eight points and 18 rebounds.
Tauihi league
The scores
Whai 89
Mikayla Cowling 26, Aaliyah Wilson 20
Southern Hoiho 67
Zoe Richards 30, Ahlise Hurst 14
Quarter scores: Whai 20-14, 38-37, 64-58
