Final Face-Off: The Queens Take On the Northern Kāhu in Season-Defining Games

The Queens' final Tauihi League regular season game saw a rematch of the biggest rivalry in the competition. The Northern Kāhu travelled to Te Rauparaha Arena, a hard place to play as the Queens had only lost twice on their home floor heading into the game. While both teams had their top four spots guaranteed, the fight for final placings saw both teams bring their A-game.

RAPID LEAGUE

Coming into this game, both teams were level on 26 points, meaning the point gained from a Rapid League victory would be very valuable when determining the final standings at the end of the season. This led to a very tight start between the two teams, with both defences coming to play with just 13 points scored in total during the first quarter. 

The Kāhu defence kept the pressure on, holding the Queens to single digits for the first three quarters, showing how important the win was to the visitors. However, the Queens couldn't be contained for the whole game, as the fourth quarter saw an offensive explosion.

The 17-4 final quarter helped them come from behind to win the critical Rapid League 39-34. Tegan Graham led the Queens in scoring with 15 points, highlighted by shooting four out of four from the three-point line. Returning to the Rapid League, Eva Langton recorded eight valuable points and four rebounds. 

The win pushed the Queens into first place for the time being before it was all up for grabs just half an hour later in the Tauihi League game. 

TAUIHI LEAGUE

Much like their other two matchups this season, this one did not disappoint when it came to excitement and high-level basketball. The Queens had not only won the previous two games, they were on a five-game winning streak against the Kāhu, dating back to July last year. 

Snapping this streak before a possible meeting in the finals was a top priority for the Kāhu. In a first quarter similar to a previous home game against the Whai when the opposition ended the quarter 27-6 in front, the Kāhu led 32-8 going into the second quarter. This was a huge hole the Queens had to slowly climb out of, getting it as close as a six-point margin with three minutes left. Sadly, it wasn't to be for the Queens, as they ended up falling short 87-75.

The Kāhu's outstanding starting 5 consisting of three Tall Ferns, the Australian Opals' captain and an exceptional import from the US combined for all of the team's points. They all reached double digits, i outrageous stat lines. IImar'i Thomas led all scorers with 28 points, shooting 10-12 from the field, and her frontcourt mate Penina Davidson notched her sixth double-double of the season with 15 points and 15 rebounds.

The Kāhu pulled away from the Queens at the free-throw and three-point line. Outscoring them by 21 points from three-point range to go along with shooting 11 more free throws. This clash of styles has been something we have seen in every game this year and something that will stay true if they meet again in the finals.  

Despite the loss, star guard Chrislyn Carr put on a show in front of her home fans. She scored an outstanding 34 points on an incredibly efficient 50% from the field. She saved her highest-scoring game till last, bettering the 32 points she had last month, also against the Kāhu. Her mix of fast break scoring and silky step-back jump shots got the crowd on their feet and was one of the most significant factors in the Queens' fight back.

Another Queen who scored her season-high in this game was Grace Hunter. She and Carr combined nicely in the backcourt as she registered 13 points. Unfortunately, the Kāhu lead of 29 was too big to overcome, and it cemented their spot at the top of the table. At the same time, the Queens also locked themselves into the second seed. 

Queens fans should pay close attention to the Monday night game between the Kāhu and Whai. If the Whai wins their Tauihi League game, they will move to third place, setting up a semi-final date with the Queens. However, if they lose, the Queens will look to snap their three-game losing streak against the Hoiho.

As we approach the finals this weekend at Te Rauparaha Arena, there's no better time to rally behind our Queens! Let's pack the arena and create a home game atmosphere that will lift our team!

RAPID: Queens 39, Kāhu 34 ➡️ Full Stats
TAUIHI: Queens 75, Kāhu 87 ➡️ Full Stats