The Otago Goldrush has made a promising start to the Women's Basketball Championship, coming second in the first of two qualifying tournaments.
The Goldrush won all four round-robin games but came unstuck in the final, losing 70-64 to the defending champions Harbour Heat.
But coach Brent Matehaere said his team had showed enough to suggest a national title was well within its reach.
"We improved in every game but just had one bad quarter in the final," Matehaere said.
"Their experience showed through but I'm very pleased."
Forward Patrice McKenzie was a standout, averaging 20 points a match and guard Samara Gallaher was also a consistent scorer, averaging 16 points.
Poppy Saker-Norrish, Anke Becker and Zoe Cadzow did a good job on the boards.
The second qualifying tournament will be held in Auckland in July with the finals staged in Dunedin in August.
