College A secured a nail-biting 55-52 victory over top-of-the-table Physed A in round 14 of the Dunedin premier club competition on Saturday.
College were narrowly ahead 14-13 at the first break, but it was back and forth throughout the game.
Physed A turned the tables to lead 28-27 at halftime.
Ella Mackenzie was excellent in the shooting circle again for College, converting 15 of her 17 attempts at goal for an 88.2% shooting accuracy at goal attack.
By the third quarter, Physed had extended their lead to 45-39.
College knew that the last 15 minutes had to count to keep next week’s finals game in their sights.
Defensively, the young duo of Holly McRae and Perri Hore played a crucial role in disrupting Physed’s attacking rhythm in the last quarter, limiting scoring opportunities and helping to preserve College’s momentum.
At the other end of the court, Physed’s defensive duo of Lucy Shurly and Maggie Manson applied consistent pressure, challenging every pass and forcing College to earn every shot.
In other round 14 action, University-Albion A beat the Southern Magpies 77-46, and University-Albion B edged South Pac Titans Taiko 54-47.
It means University-Albion A are through to the final against Physed A.
College A will play University-Albion B in the third-fourth playoff, and South Pac will play Southern in the fifth-sixth game.
— Madison Cummings
