IT took 10 matches, but Northern Kahu finally showed they have some chinks in their previously impenetrable armour, going down to Tokomanawa Queens by 18 points at Eventfinda Stadium last night. The Kahu had not lost in their first nine outings, and had already beaten the Queens prior to the Round 6 clash, but last night’s Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa clash was a different story. Starting from the opening tip-off, the Queens dominated the first half which set up the 94-76 win.

NORTHERN KAHU 20 | 12 | 15 | 29 (76)
TOKOMANAWA QUEENS 28 | 24 | 15 | 27 (94)

Northern Kahu were yet to be beaten in season 2022 coming into the Round 6 clash with the 5-4 Tokomanawa Queens who were second on the five-team ladder and looking to keep in touch with the Kahu heading into the home straight. It was clear from the start that the Queens meant business, but it was the Kahu who held the early advantage with Akiene-Tera Reed starting strong and going head-to-head with Queens scorer Jamie Nared. By quarter time the Queens had regained the ascendancy as they took control from range, leading by eight points at the first break.

That lead continued into the second quarter when they doubled the Kahu’s score in the 10 minutes to blow the lead out beyond 20 points, with only a late basket for the home side making it an even 20 at half-time. Elin Gustavsson picked up through the second to add some support with Nared, and the Queens were cooking. Though the Kahu managed to stem the bleeding somewhat in the second half, they could not make enough inroads, with Micaela Cocks being the only consistent scorer throughout the match. By contrast, the Queens not only had Nared and Gustavsson, but also Florencia Chagas and Jacinta Beckley doing a lot of damage from beyond the arc.

Tokomanawa Queens won most statistics, shooting at a higher clip of 46 to 38 per cent, whilst dominating the rebounds (51-30). That lead to more second chance points (14-11), but surprisingly less points in the paint (22-28). They also took control with 23 points to 13 despite having five more turnovers (20-15). The Kahu also lead the steals (11-8), but the Queens were ahead in the assists (16-12).

Nared put up an impressive 28 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals, sharing the high volume shooting with Chagas (22 points, six assists, four rebounds and four steals, while Beckley had 17 points, four rebounds and two assists. The trio combined for 10 of the Queens’ 12 made triples, while Gustavssion helped herself to a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, as well as two assists and two steals. For the Kahu, Cocks topped the charts with 24 points, while Reed had 13 points, three rebounds and two assists.

Tokomanawa Queens will take on Mid-North Whai later today, while Northern Kahu have a long wait until clashing with the Queens again on August 18.