Charlisse Leger-Walker and Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones produced the two standout performances by Kiwis in NCAA Division I basketball over the weekend.
After scoring 26 points in Washington State’s 77-72 overtime win against Gonzaga, Leger-Walker moved to within three of 1500 career points as she tied Megan Compain’s 1,497 career points at St Joseph’s (1993-97).
With 6 points in the 64-47 win against Idaho State on Sunday, Leger-Walker passed the 1,500 points mark and in the process moved to third on the all-time list of NZ scorers in NCAA basketball. Only Tera Reed (1,624 points) and Erin Rooney (1,647) are ahead of KL-W.
Meanwhile Tait-Jones followed up his near triple double performance on his UC San Diego debut to register 21 points and 8 rebounds in his second game as the Tritons edged the local derby against San Diego 69-63.
Incidentally Tait-Jones is putting up significant numbers. Having scored 1,061 points at Hawaii at Hilo (NCAA Division II) he is now up to 1,096 career collegiate points.
Back to the women’s game and fellow Wellingtonian Grace Hunter top scored for Cal State Bakersfield in their 67-54 loss to Pacific. The Tokomanawa Queens and Tall Ferns guard posted 15 points and 3 assists.
Lilly Parke followed up her 11-point effort on debut for Fairleigh Dickinson with 15 points in the 71-63 loss to Army West Point.
Vitolia Tuilave, in just her second collegiate game, scored 14 points and pulled down 8 rebounds as Wofford College defeated Erskine 85-47.
Leah Mafua led the Central Arkansas scoring with 15 points but the Purples were pipped 65-62 by Samford.
Playing her 107th game for BYU Kaylee Smiler scored 10 points (4/6FG) including 2 from 3 from beyond the arc. A renowned defender she also snared 6 rebounds and tied her career high of 4 blocks.
On her first appearance for Portland, after redshirting the 2022-23 season, Flo Dallow scored 9 points in the 64-42 loss to Villanova.
Another freshman Hunter Adam, in his third game for Davidson College, scored 9 points in their narrow 68-65 loss to Clemson.
LACEY LOWDOWN 