New Zealand Home Loans Canterbury Wildcats are staring down the barrel of elimination early on day one of the WBC tournament in Porirua.
The Wildcats went down 67-66 in overtime against the Waitakere Lady Rangers and now face a must win game against Auckland Counties Manukau Lady Hawks in the late game on Thursday.
The Wildcats trailed 51-47 at three quarter time but fought back to level proceedings 61-61 at the end of normal time. Wuanyei Ah-Hing made a couple of key baskets in the extra five minutes to put the Rangers 4 points ahead. A Shea Crotty triple with 1:03 remaining gave the Wildcats hope and when Maia Wilson missed a pair of free throws for the Rangers Hayley Gray had the final shot to win the game. Unfortunately for the Wildcats the game’s leading scorer couldn’t connect. Gray finished with 18pts well supported by Crotty (16pts) and Tessa Boagni (15pts/10rebs).
Te Oramae Solomon (15pts/11 rebs) and Natasha Hall (13pts/11rebs) were major contributors to the Waitakere success.
The Waikato Wizards face a similar scenario after being defeated 75-65 by North Harbour Breeze in Section B, now needing to beat Oceana Gold Rush Otago to stay alive in the Championship.
The Breeze established a 40-37 half time advantage that extended to 60-50 with 10 minutes remaining. Wizards guard Krystal Leger-Walker (17pts) scored three of her five triples in the final period but Harbour paced by youngster Tera Reed (18pts) held firm to maintain a double digit lead and secure a vital win.
Becks van Kuyk (14pts) and Anna Lacey (13pts) provided inside, outside threats for the Breeze, Miriam Stevens (11pts) and Jess Tuki (13pts) tireless for Waikato.
LACEY LOWDOWN 