The Southern Hoiho can finally claim southern bragging rights after surviving a late scare to beat the Mainland Pouakai 84-74 in their final home game at the Edgar Centre last night.
After losing 102-61 to the Canterbury side three weeks ago, the Hoiho were a cut above in front of 455 spectators — the largest home crowd this season.
But it was a team effort to get them over the line, and after squandering an 18 point lead, they will be pleased to come out on top.
Ahlise Hurst had the game of the season, racking up 28 points, including 18 from beyond the arc.
Ashten Prechtel was influential as usual, scoring 17 points and 17 rebounds.
Paige Bradley (20 points) and Zoe Richards (16) stepped up for their side to guide them home.
The Hoiho had a slow start to the game, unable to get flow through the court.
The Pouakai’s defence was hard to break through and Natalie Burton kept Prechtel busy.
They had more hunger in the first five minutes, but once the Hoiho gained some traction they were away.
Hurst nailed three shots beyond the arc to push the lead, while Bradley and Richards drove to the hoop more.
It gave them a 24-11 lead at the end of the period.
The Pouakai’s connections went missing in the second, which the Hoiho capitalised on at the hoop.
Prechtel swatted away Burton’s shot and Hurst finished it off with another triple, and Gracie Roberts-Hare sealed a nice lay-up.
The home side had more aggression on the ball, picking up all the crumbs and keeping the Pouakai quiet through the middle, jumping out to a 46-29 lead.
The Pouakai came out firing and closed it up to a 10-point ball game.
But Hurst scored yet another three and Bradley scored, and drew the foul, to shake off their woes.
They locked in on defence, keeping the Poukai out of the paint, and the visitors struggled to get their eye in.
They found themselves in further trouble when Sharne Robati fouled Richards on the buzzer.
Richards secured her two free throws and the Hoiho led 70-52.
But the Pouakai refused to lie down. They had a 16-3 point start to the fourth quarter, closing the gap to five points.
The Hoiho went away from what had been working well and the Pouakai lifted their intensity.
Jasmine Dickey (31 points) was instrumental in the visitors’ comeback, but the Hoiho stuck together to grind out the win.
Tauihi League
The scores
Southern Hoiho 84
Ahlise Hurst 28, Paige Bradley 20
Mainland Pouakai 74
Jasmine Dickey 31, Ashley Taia 9
Quarter scores: 24-11, 46-29, 70-52
