Gators bite North Canty
North Canterbury were upset 62-68 by Gators in Canterbury Women’s Premier Basketball on Saturday.
For NC, Wildcats Terina Wanoa (18) and Esra McGoldrick (13) carried the workload but they were unable to stop Lauryn Hippolite, who slotted 21 points for the Gators. NC led at quartertime 14-9, but Gators soon took the lead going to halftime ahead 35-31. NC momentarily took the lead in the fourth quarter 56-55 but couldn’t move on to win the game.
The Men’s U23 disposed of University B in a bottom six encounter, pulling away with a strong second spell to win 84-53. Jack Exeter was his usual tower of strength with 18 points.
The NC Men’s U20 side blew a golden chance of qualifying for the final spot in the top six when they lost 76-73 with a three pointer from St Bedes-Checkers with three seconds remaining. NC led 58-51 by the third break but a technical foul on coach Scott Baker and a missed second free throw late in the game gave St BedesCheckers a chance and they capitalised. Travis Montgomery (21) and Canaan Tarawa (16) carried the workload for NC.
Rangiora HS led Shirley A for the first three quarters before edging clear in the final quarter to win 63-57 in the boys’ U17A, with 16 points from Blake Cunninghame. In the boys’ U17 middle section, NC lost to Shirley Spartans B 70-82.
The NC boys’ U15s put their top eight position in jeopardy after two narrow losses. On Wednesday, Cashmere went on a 20-2 run in the first four minutes of the second half. NC came back in the last quarter but went down 68-70. On Saturday, after leading 69-51 at the third break they were chased down by Middleton Gators Green 84-85 – despite 23 points from Harry Gaughan.
On Sunday, the NC men’s division 1 side blew its chance to cement a place in the top eight when it was toppled 62-58 by Gators Red. Led by a strong 19 points by Gus Janssen, NC led 52-39 heading ino the fourth quarter but a 23-6 run by Gators saw them snatch victory.
Both NC U17 teams lost. NC1 blew a chance to break into a top four after leading Halswell Red 30-15 at halftime, but went on to lose 53-62, while NC2 was downed 81-52 by the unbeaten Wharenui Gators White but still remains in the top three.