The Southern Hoiho lost 86-85 to the Tokomanawa Queens in a thriller at the Edgar Centre last weekend.
They have a chance to reverse that score against the Tokomanawa Queens in Wellington tomorrow afternoon.
Everything fired for the Southern Hoiho last weekend and they were unlucky to finish on the wrong side of the scoreboard.
It was a tense and physical battle between the two teams, who have had some good clashes through the years.
Ahlise Hurst came to life against the Queens posting 19 points, two assists and four steals.
The deadly three-point shooter mixed her game up, opting to go from deep and driving hard at the paint for some lovely finishes.
But across the floor the Hoiho really found some form, three other starters finishing with double digits.
Samantha Bowman — one of the best all year — scored 16 points, 10 rebounds and two steals, Paige Bradley finished with 10 points, and seven assists and Natalie Chou added 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Chelsea D’Angelo added great depth off the bench as well, finishing with 12 points, three rebounds, one block and one steal.
The Australian forward has had some nice touches in her cameos this season and Samara Gallaher drained some big threes when they needed.
Defensively, the Southern Hoiho hustled for everything and showed plenty of fight when they were in danger of letting the Queens get away.
The Queens have the double-header this weekend.
They already dispatched defending champions Northern Kahu 76-67 on Thursday night.
Seattle Storm forward Jordan Horston had immediate impact for the Queens — after missing last Sunday’s game through a back complaint — and finished with 28 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two steals against the Kahu.
Lou Brown has also been massive for the Queens, playing two of her best games against the Hoiho this season.
She finished with 28 points and 15 rebounds last week.
The Southern Hoiho will want to get on the front foot to shut down Horston and Brown early and stick with the same hustle they had last week.
The Mainland Pouakai hosted the Whai last night.
