Hoiho Surge in Second Half to Defeat Kāhu 73-59

The Southern Hoiho claimed a decisive victory over the Northern Kāhu, winning 73-59 in Auckland on March 15, 2024. This match marked the second time that Claire Jacobs faced off against her twin sister Amy, with Claire emerging victorious both times. The Hoiho’s strong second-half performance ultimately secured their win, leaving the Kāhu still searching for their first victory of the season.

After trailing at halftime, the Hoiho displayed impressive teamwork and resilience. They were led by Bec Pizzey, who made a significant impact with 20 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Paige Bradley also contributed notably, scoring 11 points and providing nine assists, alongside five steals that bolstered the Hoiho’s defensive efforts.

In contrast, the Kāhu made recent roster changes, parting ways with Americans Jasmyne Roberts and Aliyah Matharu, while also releasing Kiwi Krystal Leger-Walker. New additions Erin Bollmann and Amy Jacobs made their presence felt during the game. The Kāhu started strong, quickly jumping to a 14-6 lead. However, the momentum shifted as the Hoiho’s Lil Dart sank a three-pointer, closing the gap to 16-14 by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw a physical contest, with both teams fighting for control. Tahlia Tupaea’s three-pointer helped the Kāhu extend their lead to six points, finishing the half with a score of 31-23. The Hoiho regrouped during the halftime break, and upon returning to the court, they quickly locked in defensively. This shift in focus allowed them to close the gap and eventually take the lead.

A pivotal moment came when Dart hit a deep three-pointer, giving the Hoiho their first lead of the game. Pizzey’s aggressive play style was instrumental, as she consistently drove to the basket and scored crucial points. The Hoiho outscored the Kāhu in the third quarter, achieving a 25-15 advantage and taking a 48-43 lead into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Claire Jacobs added a three-pointer to extend the Hoiho’s lead to 11 points. Despite the Kāhu’s attempts to close the gap, Bradley and Pizzey combined for several key baskets that maintained the Hoiho’s advantage. Dart, who came off the bench, contributed significantly with 19 points, including two critical late three-pointers.

The final score reflected the Hoiho’s dominance in the second half, with the game ending at 73-59. As the season progresses, the Kāhu will need to regroup and find their footing to turn their luck around, while the Hoiho celebrate a satisfying win and continue to build momentum.