LACEY LOWDOWN

Brigham Young University (BYU) may have suffered its first loss of the season going down 99-91 at Oklahoma in overtime on Saturday (NZT) but the game will long be remembered for the shooting performance by Kiwi Tegan Graham.

Graham is in her second season with the Cougars having previously made 98 appearances for Colgate University. A renowned perimeter shooter she sits 6^th on Colgate’s All-time 3-Point field goal percentage (34%). 

However nothing she has done before compares with her performance against Oklahoma as she made TEN shots from behind the arc from 17 attempts (59%) for a career high 30 points.

Those 30 points also took Graham past 100 points for the season and 1,000 career points – the 17^th New Zealander to score over one thousand NCAA Division I points.

Even elite shooter Kirk Penney didn’t make that many triples in a single game during his illustrious college career with the Wisconsin Badgers.

Not surprisingly the former Wellington Girl’s College and New Zealand age-group representative has set an all-time record for the number of threes made in a single game in BYU Women’s basketball programme history. It’s also the highest number of threes made in NCAA Division I basketball by a Kiwi – a record that is likely to stand for a very long time. 

BYU now get a week off before entertaining Washington State University and the Ledger-Walker sisters Krystal and Charlisse in an intriguing match-up.

I for one can’t wait!

Kendell Heremaia made a lay-up with two seconds remaining on the clock to steal a 65-63 win for Fordham in the Battle of the Bronx rivalry game against Manhattan. 

Entering the contest Heremaia had racked up 1,072 points, 680 rebounds, 279 assists, and 120 steals during her Fordham career to-date with only six other Rams have reached the 1,000-point, 500-rebound, 200-assist, 100-steal plateaus.

The former Waikato standout added to those numbers with 16 points, 9 rebounds and an assist in 31 minutes against Manhattan. Her tally of 1,088 career points moved her ahead of Josie Stockill (1,081 points) into 11^th on the all-time list of New Zealand scorers in Women’s NCAA Division I play. Two more points and Heremaia will move into the Top-10 ahead of Tessa Boagni (1,089 points).

Charlisse Leger-Walker had scored 10-or-more points in 28 of her career 31 games played. That number increased to 29 as Washington State, in front of a big crowd in the ‘Kennel’, beat Gonzaga Bulldogs 51-49.

However it wasn’t her 14 points that stood out in this one but the critical defensive rebound she secured amongst Gonzaga’s tall timber, with 5 seconds left on the clock and her team ahead by just a single point (50-49). That critical rebound and a free-throw that followed secured the win. 

Playing all 40 minutes Charlisse added 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists and a block to her 14 points while Krystal Leger-Walker also had 4 steals to accompany 2 points plus threes in assists and rebounds.

Helen Matthews enjoyed herself as Wofford Terriers terrorised Brevard College to win 101-37. Matthews made a season best 14 points (6/8FG) to add to 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and a block.

Other Results:

Colorado State 73 (Jess Moors 1pt, 3rebs) Weber State 60

Miami 76 (Sam Waardenburg 2pts, 4rebs, 1a, 1 steal) Lipscomb 59

Yuat Alok scored a career high 19 points (9/13FG) as New Mexico State won 78-76 in overtime on the home court of fierce rivals New Mexico on Monday (NZT). Alok scored six of the Aggies 10 overtime points and also added 4 rebounds, 4 assists and a blocked shot.

Back in 2017 Alok was rated the third best Junior College recruit after two standout years at Chipola College. However, since then his college career has had a number of false starts but perhaps this performance will spur him to greater heights.

He played just 10 games for Texas Christian University in 2018 then next appeared in Coppin State colours for the 2020-21 season where in 11 games (all as a starter) he averaged a more than useful 9.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

Now Alok has landed at his third Division I college in as many years with his career performance against New Mexico perhaps a sign of the 6’11” centre’s potential coming to fruition.

Alok first made a name for himself at Selwyn College before moving across the Harbour Bridge to Rangitoto College where he formed a formidable front court pairing with Tai Wynyard.

He also caught the eye of the Breakers and was signed as a Development Player for the 2014/15 NBL season.

Aged 17 he moved to the States where he played at Impact Academy in Sarasota, Florida before embarking on his collegiate journey.

Another former Breakers DP has seen his hot scoring streak come to an end as South Dakota went down 74-69 against Northern Colorado.

Kruz Perrott-Hunt had scored in double figures in five straight games and was averaging 14.6ppg but had just 5 points in this one (plus 3 rebounds and an assist) as the Coyotes slip to 5-4.

Tera Reed delivered season high points (15), rebounds (9) and assists (5) but couldn’t prevent University Southern California falling 78-63 to San Francisco.

14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, a block and a steal from Kendell Heremaia helped propel Fordham to a 76-67 victory over Princeton ahead of the Battle of the Bronx against Manhattan on Thursday (NZT).

Other Results:

Boise State 76 (Kaitlin Burgess 9pts, 5rebs) Florida Atlantic 64

Virginia 62 (McKenna Dale 2pts, 1reb) George Washington 53

Texas Christian 54 (Tara Manmaleuga 4pts, 2stls, 1a, 1reb) Florida 63

Virginia 49 (Taine Murray 1pt, 1reb, 1a) James Maddison 52

Former Harbour and Birkenhead College forward bettered her career high twice in 24 hours. Parehuia Delamere also posted a career high while College of Southern Idaho Eagles (Ashlee Strawbridge and Kyra Paniora) are up to #9 on the JUCO ranking list. 

Rashaan Smith lined up against former Harbour teammate Keeley Tini as Williston State and #10 Western Nebraska faced off on Saturday. Predictably Western Nebraska took the win (99-59) with Smith posting a career high 14 points on 6 from 8 from the field. Tini finished with 5 points and 5 rebounds.

The pair were playing at the Border Wars Tournament, as were Dejaan Schuler (Casper College), Samantha Jenkins (Dawson College) and Molly Cockburn (Miles CC).

The next day Smith improved her career best to 18 points (8/10FG) as Cockburn and Miles College were dominated 101-28. Despite the overwhelming defeat Cockburn can take credit for posting a team high 8 points. 

Jenkins also scored 8 points as Dawson fell 86-61 to Casper with Schuler making a 3-pointer for the #22 ranked T-Birds. 

Jenkins was back in double-digit mode on Sunday, tallying 12 points (4/9 3PG) as Dawson got the better of Western Wyoming (52-43).

Parehuia Delamere put in a monster performance for Western Texas College. She had a career high 20 points (8/13FG, 4/6 3PG) accompanied by 12 rebounds in a commanding 71-34 win against Dawson. Jordyn Maddix chipped in with 4 points and 7 rebounds.

Kay-Hauata Phillips and Te Araroa Sopoaga continued their free scoring form even though Cloud College were beaten 90-80 by Seward. Sopoaga top scored with 20 points (9/16FG) with Phillips adding 6 rebounds to 15 points.

In a bounce back 70-53 win against Pratt College Sopoaga filled the stats line with 14 points 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and a block. Remarkably she leads Cloud in all five of the afore mentioned stat categories.

Southern Idaho put the defensive freeze on Snow College in the opening quarter to set up a 69-56 victory. Ashlee Strawbridge recorded 10 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals while Kyra Paniora had 4 points plus a couple of assists and steals. Southern Idaho now into the Top-10 on the National Rankings sitting at #9.

Jenna Rose Mafua totalled 6 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals as Dodge City beat Garden City 51-3

Twins Safena and Leata Te Nana-Williams both scored in double figures as Central Maine defeated Berkeley 90-61. The former St Mary’s College, Ponsonby pair were at their stats stuffing best – Safena tallied 16 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds and 5 steals while Leata had 10 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

In Men’s action Ollie Hayward tallied 5 points and 3 rebounds as Midland College improved to 9-3 (2-0 in Conference play) with a 60-57 win against Howard College.

Nico Hill was a point shy of a double-double as Missouri State – West Plains  won a nail biter against Three Rivers 77-75. The Taranaki guard finished with 10 rebounds and 9 points. 

Nate Wilson had 8 points on 4 from 5 shooting but South Georgia Tech are on a 5-game losing slide after a 75-71 defeat against Gulf Coast State.

After incurring an early season injury Louisiana State Eunice forward Kiani Saxon is working himself back into the rotation. He has started the last three games averaging 5 points, 3 rebounds and a block while enjoying 26 minutes per game.

Sam Waardenburg connected with 4-of-7 from beyond the arc as Miami beat Clemson 80-75 to open Atlantic Coast Conference play.

The former Junior Tall Black finished with a career best 18 points with Miami Coach Jim Larranaga full of praise for his Grad Senior.

“I think Sam Waardenburg’s performance going 6-of-10 from the field with 18 points, 3 assists, 1 turnover, 1 steal and 2 blocks is one of the best front court performances we have had in quite a while.”

Tobias Cameron also had a career night as Abilene Christian thumped Incarnate Word 98-65. Cameron made all five of his 3-point shots to finish with a career best 17 points.

Kruz Perrott-Hunt scored a dozen points as South Dakota gave Waldorf a toweling winning a one-sided contest 93-37. That’s five straight games in double figures for SDU’s leading scorer.

Both St Mary’s Gaels Men’s and Women’s teams were in action on Sunday and there was a Kiwi connection on all four teams involved.

The Gaels Women entertained Amiee Book and Fresno State and aided by a defensive spark from Tayla Daltonemerged 79-64 victors. Dalton had 3 rebounds, 3 steals and a block to go with 11 points. Jade Kirisome was also in double figures with a dozen (10/12FT) while Amy West tallied 4 rebounds, a steal and a point.

Book scored three points on one made triple for Fresno State.

Unfortunately for St Mary’s Men their leading scorer this season Dan Fotu (4 points and 2 rebounds) fouled out in just 7 minutes and his absence from meaningful minutes contributed to the Gaels getting outgunned by Colorado State 74-58. James Moors came up with a steal for unbeaten Colorado State (9-0).

Other Men’s Results:

Davidson 70 (Sam Mennenga 2pts, 6rebs, 2a) William & Mary 46

Virginia 57 (Taine Murray 5pts, 2 rebs, 1 block) Pitt 56

New Mexico State 72 (Yuat Alok 2pts, 1reb) UTEP 69

#21 ranked BYU had to stave off a 4^th quarter comeback from Utah before prevailing 85-80. Tegan Graham had 9 points, a season best 8 assists and 6 rebounds for BYU who may move further up the rankings after win number eight. 

Washington State had little trouble dispatching UC Davis winning 71-49. Charlisse Leger-Walker posted 13 points on 6-of-12 shooting whilst also registering a pair of blocks and quadruple rebounds and assists.

Sister Krystal L-W posted 11 points, 5’s in rebounds and assists plus singles in blocks and steals.

Other Women’s Results:

St Peter’s New Jersey 77 (Victoria Ikenasio 6pts, 4rebs) Delaware State 50

Wofford 46 (Helen Matthews 1pt, 3rebs, 1 steal) Coastal Carolina 58

Charlisse Leger-Walker produced a season best 27 points (5/10 3PG) as Washington State downed San Francisco 72-58. Making her 30^th consecutive start she also produced 2 blocks and 3 steals.

Krystal Leger-Walker was also piling on the numbers lining up 7 points, 6 rebounds and a team high 5 dimes – Krystal has produced at least 1 assist in 45 consecutive games.

Those 27 points mean sophomore CL-W has already passed 500 NCAA Division I career points. Put into perspective that mark has only been reached by 31 Kiwi women with the young Tall Fern taking the least number of games to reach the 500 mark.

Playing a game high 35 minutes Tera Reed finished with 9 points (3/5FG), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, a block and a steal (with zero turnovers) as USC defeated UC Irvine 79-68. Freshman Olivia Williams had 4 rebounds and 2 points for UCI.

Other Women’s Results:

Fresno State 72 (Amiee Book 3pts, 3rebs, 1 block) California Berkeley 73

Boise State 61 (Kailin Burgess 6pts, 1a, 2 steals) Seattle 63

Virginia 60 (McKenna Dale 2pts, 4rebs, 1 steal) William & Mary 47

Fordham 71 (Kendell Heremaia 8pts, 5rebs, 2a, 1 block, 1 steal) Stony Brook 59

In Men’s Division I action Miami University Hurricanes were paced by Sam Waardenburg’s 14 points as they beat Penn State 63-58 in the annual Big Ten/ACC Challenge. The former Rangitoto College forward made 5 from 11 from the field, 4 from 8 from beyond the arc and also came up with 4 rebounds and 3 assists. 

Callum McRae scored 12 points (6/7FG) and Flynn Cameron 9 points as UC Riverside lost a tight contest at Oregon Ducks 71-65. In his 49^th start for UCR McRae also came up with 4 rebounds and a block.

Colorado State made it 8 straight wins after having little trouble with Little Rock winning 86-55. James Moors scored 8 points on 4 from 5 shooting and also snared 3 rebounds.

Also with 8 points, plus 5 rebounds and a block, was Dan Fotu as Saint Mary’s Gaels (8-1) won at the death at Utah State 60-58.

Abilene Christian 108 (Tobias Cameron 6pts, 3rebs, 2a, 1 steal) Dallas 65

Southern Idaho College Golden Eagles have soared to #10 on the NJCAA Division I rankings after recording two wins over Thanksgiving weekend, with Ashlee Strawbridge in the thick of the action.

Strawbridge, who has signed a letter of intent to play NCAA Division I at the University of Missouri-Kansas City next year, grabbed 3 steals, 6 rebounds and 13 points (6/10FG) as Southern Idaho produced all the gems to defeat Treasure Valley 93-57. 

The Cantabrian was almost as destructive in the 62-40 success against Eastern Wyoming as she pulled down 8 rebounds and had deuces in assists, steals and points.

Keeley Tini was a rebound shy of her fifth double-double of the season in 

Williston State’s narrow 69-65 loss to Laramie County. She finished with 17 points (6/9FG, 2/3 3PG) and 9 rebounds. Tini sits 27^th on the NJCAA Division I rebounding list (10.1rpg) and just outside the Top-50 scorers averaging 15.8ppg the top Kiwi in both statistical categories.

Kay-Hauata Phillips and Te Araroa Sopoaga both finished in double figures as Cloud Community College dominated Northeast Hawks 78-48.

The pair are the top two scorers for the T-Birds this season and nothing changed in this one as they scored 14 and 11 respectively on a combined 12 from 17 from the field. Phillips added 6 rebounds with Sopoaga dishing 5 assists to go with 8 boards. 

Parehuia Delamere continues to impress with her stats stuffing performances for Western Texas.

Despite the Westerners losing 86-65 to Weatherford the former Harbour guard posted 6 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals, 2 assists and a block. Jordyn Maddix had 3 points and 3 rebounds for Western Texas. Briarley Rogers is still side-lined for Weatherford as she recovers from a foot injury.

Despite an active display from Jenna Rose Mafua Dodge City were shot down by Seward County 69-62. The former Hutt Valley High standout finished with 7 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals.

Rashaan Smith pulled down a team high 6 rebounds to accompany 3 blocks and 2 points as #11 ranked Western Nebraska thumped Western Wyoming 98-52.

Nebraska made it 2 from 2 over Thanksgiving with a tight 70-59 win against Casper College. Smith didn’t trouble the scorers but Izzy Cook returned to post 4 rebounds and a couple of points.

For #22 ranked Casper Dejaan Schuler made 5 points on 2 of 3 from the field.

Molly Cockburn had 6 points, 3 assists and a brace of steals as Miles College beat Jamestown 72-50.

Waiaaria Rogers tallied 6 points and 5 rebounds but Marshalltown were well beaten by Johnson County (81-41).

Men

Midland College moved to 7-2 with an 82-63 dunking of North Lake. Ollie Hayward had a season best 5 assists to go with 4 points and 4 rebounds.

Nico Hill scored 9 points for Missouri State – West Plains in the 92-77 loss to Western Texas. The Taranaki guard added 5 rebounds and a pair of assists.

Nate Wilson came up with 5 points and a couple of rebounds as South Georgia Tech went down to Eastern Florida State (90-63).

Neosho County were well beaten 92-63 by Connors State although Ezrah Vaigafa managed 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and a steal for Neosho.

In another packed day of Thanksgiving Weekend action Tegan Graham and BYU Cougars came back from 13 points down to defeat #22 West Virginia 58-57 in the St Pete Showcase Championship game.

Graham played almost 39 minutes making 11 points while also claiming a pair of rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block – the Wellingtonian now up to 975 career points.

The # 1 ranked team in the West Coast Conference take home the silverware and an unblemished 7-0 record to start the season.

Kruz Perrott-Hunt scored a team high 19 points (4/9 3PG) but couldn’t prevent South Dakota losing 83-70 to Nebraska. The former Nelson Giant also came up with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, a block and a steal in 37 minutes. Perrott-Hunt has scored in double figures in five out of six USD games this season averaging 15.2ppg.

It wasn’t a game to remember for Krystal and Charlisse Leger-Walker at the Baha Mar Pink Flamingo Championship in the Bahamas.

Washington State went down 62-34 to NC State on a night when nothing went well for the Cougars. Washington shot a miserable 26% (14/55) from the field with the Waikato pair faring even worse as they made just one basket apiece from a combined 15 attempts. 

On the plus side Krystal had 4 rebounds and the same number of assists while Charlisse had 6 boards, a block and a steal.

Other Women’s Results:

Fresno State 46 (Amiee Book 6pts, 7rebs, 3 assists) Drexel 63

St Mary’s Gaels 68 (Amy West 4pts, 3rebs, 2 steals/ Tayla Dalton 2rbs, 1a, 1 steal/ Jade Kirisome 1reb, 3a, 3 steals)UC Santa Barbara 45

Boise State 45 (Kaitlin Burgess 3pts, 2rebs, 1 steal) Wisconsin 60

Houston Baptist 54 (Lauryn Mapusua 3pts, 2rebs) Grand Canyon 63

USC 47 (Tera Reed 2pts, 5rebs, 2 assists) UCF 56 

Fordham 43 (Kendell Heremaia 2pts, 2rebs, 1 assist) Arizona State 58

Florida International 67 (Grace Hunter 2pts, 1reb, 1a, 1 steal) Eastern Michigan 60

Saint Peter’s New Jersey 61 (Victoria Ikenasio 2pts, 4rebs) NJIT 67

Other Men’s Results:

Abilene Christian 89 (Tobias Cameron 4pts, 5rebs, 1a, 4 steals) McMurry 54

Davidson 88 (Sam Mennenga 8pts, 4rebs, 1 assist) Robert Morris 70

Colorado State 88 (James Moors 2pts, 1a, 1 steal) Northern Colorado 79