Game Preview: Pouākai v Hoiho 27/10/24

Who’s ready for Sunday hoops!? The Southern Hoiho are on their way to Ōtautahi to battle the Mainland Pouākai once again.

First off… Tickets! Haven’t bought yours yet? Let’s change that! Join in on the fun and purchase yours here.

If you missed out on Friday’s game against the Kāhu, take a nosey at our recap.


Game Info

Sunday, October 27th, 2024. 

Rapid League: 2:00 PM. Tauihi: 3:00pm.

Cowles Stadium, Christchurch.

Purchase Tickets!

Watch live on Sky Sport 7 (NZ), ESPN3 (USA), FIBA YouTube (Globally)


Match-Up History

Two weeks ago we got the dub in Dunedin, downing the Hoiho 91-78. Our ProBuild ITM Pouākai MVP for that match was the one and only Mikhaela Cann. While her stats of 14 points and 6 assists weren’t mind-blowing on paper, her impact on the game start-to-finish was undeniable.

She spearheaded a high-octane Pouākai offence; putting pressure on the rim (10 free throw attempts), forcing the defence into rotation, and finding scorers in rhythm. Cann’s organisational skills and persistence were essential towards the Pouākai mounting an extraordinary comeback, having been down as much as 17 points.

Cass Brown was another vital component towards securing the victory, totalling 20 points on an efficient 4/7 shooting from behind the three-point line. With Brown set to be sidelined with injury this Sunday, the bench will have to run a little deeper. Thankfully, Sharne Robati has been fantastic in her two Tauihi starts this season (11.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg as a starter).

Entering round 4, the Hoiho find themselves bottom of the standings at 1-3, but that is no reason to count them out. If there is one thing that they’ve hung their hat on in 2024, it is their perimeter defence which has been humming as of late due to the play of American import Natalie Chou. The key for the Hoiho on the defensive end will be closing possessions, as they’re currently averaging a league-low 22.0 defensive rebounds per game.


The Hot Topic: Heavy, Heavy Minutes

Double-headers can do a number on the body, especially when factoring in how exhausting travelling can be. Add on top of that, the Pouākai starters have had to bear a decently heavy load so far.

This past Friday saw the following minutes:
Haliegh Reinoehl = 37 minutes.
Sharne Robati = 36 minutes.
McKenzie Forbes & Mikhaela Cann = 34 minutes.

And on the season:
Mikhaela Cann = 38 minutes per game.
Haliegh Reinoehl = 36 minutes per game.
McKenzie Forbes = 35 minutes per game.

Could we be primed to see more run from the Rapid League group in tomorrow’s Tauihi match?

Freshly signed import Abby Cubillo made her Tauihi debut versus the Kāhu, getting a taste of the action in 5 minutes. Now with a week of training under her belt, will the better acclimated guard be ready for the challenge?

Ashlee Strawbridge has been a joy to watch across both leagues the past couple games, taking on a larger offensive responsibility in Rapid League and hustling her heart out in Tauihi. In the absence of Brown, Strawbridge has carved out a nice role as the team’s 6th-woman. We can count on her to bring the energy tomorrow afternoon.


Injury Report (as of 26/10/24)

Mainland Pouākai
OUT – Cassandra Brown
QUESTIONABLE – Lauren Tewhata

Southern Hoiho
OUT – Aliyah Dunn
OUT – Elise Carline


It’s Game Day Tomorrow!

Our first home game was a blast and we can’t wait to see you all tomorrow afternoon for our second one. 

Purchase tickets here!