Two late free throws from Hannah Matehaere have clinched a thrilling win for South Pac OGHS.
Holding a one-point lead, Matehaere went to the line and converted both shots to close out a 73-70 win over the Andy Bay Falcons in the Dunedin women's club competition on Tuesday night.
The Falcons had led most of the way and found dominance from guard Jenna Small (23 points) early.
However, as she entered foul trouble in the second quarter OGHS was able to keep the margin to five points at halftime. A run late in the third quarter extended that to 56-46 for the Falcons.
Defensively, they were able to force turnovers, while Jessica Cooper chipped in with 10 points in the quarter, proving strong on the offensive glass.
But OGHS finished more strongly.
Abby Harris (15 points) found her way to the foul line twice early in the quarter and Matehaere (21 points) soon followed.
They helped tie the score before a three-pointer from Zanthe Herbert (10 points) gave OGHS a 71-68 lead.
Jodie Hope found Eileen Jansen on a nice wrap-around pass to cut the deficit to one for the Falcons.
But Matehaere stepped up to hit two final free throws and the Falcons were unable to score in the final eight seconds.
Andy Bay Kavanagh remained unbeaten with a 52-39 win over South Pac Magic.
Kavanagh's range of threats proved key once again and it jumped out to a 14-4 lead at the first break.
Two three-pointers from Georgia Te Au early in the second quarter ignited a Magic comeback.
Top-scorer Letitia Mullaly (12 points) also found her touch, helping the Magic back to a 21-20 halftime lead.
Annabelle Ring (15 points) began finding her groove for Kavanagh though and had solid support around her, four others scoring from six to 10 points.
That helped it take back the lead, before winning the final quarter 17-6.
Varsity notched a 52-43 win against a Ajax side without Gold Rush duo Nicole Ruske and Olivia O'Neill.
It held a 16-7 lead after the decisive first quarter and extended that to 33-15 at halftime, Tara Clement's (11 points) threat from deep proved key.
Aleisha Ruske did her best to keep Ajax in touch with 19 points, but it was not enough to overhaul the deficit.
