The Otago Gold Rush watched a 14-point lead evaporate as it fell to its first loss of the WBC in Auckland yesterday.
After leading 19-5 at the end of the first quarter, it was unable to withstand the challenge of a strong Waikato team, falling 57-54.
Charlisse Leger-Walker grabbed 28 points and 14 rebounds, as she carried the Wizards to a hard-fought victory.
The guard hit six three-pointers, while also proving difficult to contain off the dribble.
Her threat forced the Gold Rush into some adjustments, notably in its on-ball screen defence.
However, it did not stop her dominating the game and, after falling behind, the Gold Rush could not get the lead back.
Waikato won the second quarter 24-13 and the third 19-11, before a tight and low-scoring last quarter went down to the wire.
The Gold Rush could not quite get the job done though.
It trailed by two with 10 seconds to go and let too much time run off the clock before fouling late, denying it the chance of one last shot.
Natalie Visger led the way with 13 points for the Gold Rush, while Nicole Ruske had 12 and Janet Main 10.
After scoring with ease early on, the Gold Rush struggled to get good looks inside as Waikato began to pack in more on defence.
That limited the damage the Gold Rush did off the dribble, while forcing it to shoot more from the outside, as it struggled to get good looks inside.
Its percentage dropped at that point, which meant its scoring dried up at the game progressed.
Nicole Ruske starred with 16 points for the Gold Rush last night as it bounced back to beat the Harbour Breeze 63-52. Natalie Smith chipped in with 12 points and Aleisha Ruske grabbed eight.
The Gold Rush’s first tournament concludes against the Waikato Country Cannons today.
