The Otago Gold Rush will have to beat Taranaki this morning to reach the semifinals of the Women’s Basketball Championship in Christchurch.
The Gold Rush lost 59-42 to Canterbury to leave the 2015 champion’s title prospects teetering.
A slow start proved costly for Otago with Canterbury taking a 16-8 lead into the the first break.
Francesca Edmondson dominated with seven points and six rebounds in a strong opening quarter.
Canterbury stretched its lead to 28-17 before Aleisha Ruske drilled a three-pointer with 25 seconds remaining in the half to cut the gap to eight again.
But the match slipped further away in the third period with the Wildcats outscoring the Gold Rush 15-11.
Nicole Ruske top-scored for Otago with 16 points and she also grabbed nine rebounds.
Edmondson finished with an impressive haul of 15 points and 14 boards, while team-mate Courtney Hamblin was also instrumental with 14 points.
Earlier, Canterbury beat Taranaki 69-57 and is through to the semifinals.
