The opening game of the second WBC tournament of 2014 featured hosts Auckland/Counties Manukau Lady Hawks against Waitakere Lady Rangers. The Hawks established an early 20-12 lead, stretched that to 40-20 by half time and cruised to a solid 83-50 victory. Kalani Purcell was in dominant form for the Hawks posting 26 points on 10 from 19 from the field. Sisters Natalie Taylor and Hailey Purcell chimed in with 16 points and 11 points respectively, coach Tania Hunter able to give all her bench court time in the second half. The Lady Rangers shot just 31% from the floor, only Millie Nathan and Wuanyei Ah-Hing scoring double figures.
ACU 83 – K Purcell 26/10rebs, Taylor 16, H Purcell 11 Waitakere Lady Rangers 50 – Millie Nathan 12, W Ah-Hing 10, Stevee Theyers 9
Oceana Gold Rush Otago were slow out of the blocks in their game against Waikato Wizards scoring just 5 points in the opening quarter. They were slightly more productive in the second period but were still 31-15 behind at the main break. Otago were often reduced to forced perimeter shots late in the 24 seconds count as the Wizards applied defensive pressure. The Wizards took their foot off the pedal late in the game but still eased to a 51-39 win, Rhaiah Spooner-Knight leading the way with 14 points and 5 rebounds.
OGR Otago 39 – Suzie Bates 13, Janet Mai 6, Samara Gallaher 6/7rebs Waikato Wizards 51 Raiah Spooner-Knight 14, Krystal Leger-Walker 10, Jess Tuki 9rebs
Canterbury Wildcats gained a 22-9 first quarter lead over the Rotorua Vols. Led by Tessa Boagni the Wildcats were always in control easing to a 71-42 win.
Canterbury Wildcats 72 – Boagni 21/12rebs, Bridgette Lawn 9pts/9rebs Rotorua Vols 42 – Pareunuora 9, Awatea Leach 9
Harbour scored 31 first quarter points, established a 52-24 half time advantage and breezed to a 75-47 win against Capital Flyers. All ten Harbour players contributed to the scoring, Tegan Graham the best for the Flyers with 12 points on 6/10 shooting.
Harbour Breeze 75 – Shinae Blair 15, Morgan Roberts 14, Anna Lacey 11 Capital Flyers 47 – Graham 12, Margaret Scott 9
In the final game of day the Junior Tall Ferns held off the Nelson Sparks in a low scoring affair. The JTF’s led 26-13 at half time but an improved offensive performance by the Sparks after the break created an exciting finish. The Sparks got within a single point before Jessica Renata cooly sunk a base line fifteen footer in the last 30 seconds.
JTF’s 50 – Connie Poletti 10/11rebs, Ella Fotu 10/9rebs, Renata 9 Nelson Sparks 47 – Jodi Hikuroa 11, Kat Jones 9/11rebs, Nicky Rampton 6/10rebs
Standings 4-1 Waikato Wizards, Harbour Breeze, Canterbury Wildcats, Auck/Counties 3-2 Gold Rush Otago 2-3 Capital Flyers, Waitakere Rangers, Nelson Sparks 0-5 Rotorua Vols
LACEY LOWDOWN 