Game Preview: Pouākai v Queens 03/11/24

Game 6 is here, officially marking the regular season halfway mark! The Tokomanawa Queens have arrived in Christchurch for what should be an entertaining clash of styles.


Game Info

Sunday, November 3rd, 2024. 

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

Cowles Stadium, Christchurch.

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Watch live on Sky Sport 3 (NZ), ESPN3 (USA), FIBA YouTube (Globally)


Match-Up History

Last season is old news by this point, so let’s focus on the now and recap who has stepped up for both squads the past couple rounds.

The Queens familiarised themselves with the Whai during rounds 3 and 4, beating them 92-90 and 85-73. Tokomanawa are an athletic unit that takes pride in their stifling defence, which has held all but one opponent to 75 points or less. 

Rising WNBA star Jordan Horston has settled nicely in Aotearoa, stuffing the statsheet the previous two rounds with averages of 26.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 3.0 blocks. Jihyun Park has also been on a tear as of late, peaking in both production and efficiency. Round 3 and 4 saw her go for 23.5 points per game, shooting 68.0% from the field while recording 4.0 triples per night.

For the Pouākai, Haliegh Reinoehl has been a point of stability. Across rounds 3 and 4 she’s averaging a double-double of 15.7 points and 10.0 rebounds, with 2.3 of those being on the offensive glass. Stepping into the starting lineup, Sharne Robati’s impact has been excellent between her spot-up shooting (2.0 3pm) and physicality. 


The Hot Topic: The Return of Cass 

Having missed a handful of games due to a back injury, Cassandra Brown is set to make her return to the court, bringing our import contingent to full strength! Over her first 2 Tauihi games, Cass put up averages of 19.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.0 three-pointers made. 

The Queens are a formidable opponent, especially on the interior both offensively and defensively. They rank #1 in the league in defensive rebounds, blocks, two-point percentage, two-pointers made. Cass’ length and defensive activity will be warmly welcomed for this particular matchup as the Pouākai look to compete with Tokomanawa inside the paint.

Although, with Cass back in the mix, the game even more so becomes a matter of inside versus outside. By design, the Pouākai run a highly perimeter oriented attack. We rank #2 in the league in three-pointers made at 8.4 per game, and the addition of Cass and her personal 3.0 3PM only amplifies that.


Injury Report (as of 03/11/24)

Mainland Pouākai
OUT – Ashlee Strawbridge

Tokomanawa Queens
OUT – Tamari Key


Tipoff Is Soon

Rapid League tips off today at 2:00pm, while Tauihi begins at 3:00pm. Make sure to grab your friends and family and join us for an afternoon of basketball!

Purchase tickets here!