Wizards Conjure Late Rally Over Wildcats

4 May 2013, Cowles Stadium

Recap written by Piet van Hasselt

The Canterbury Wildcats (2-4) fought and clawed their way throughout, but the Waikato Wizards (5-1) found their range and summoned some swarming defence that saw them edge clear of the home side in the final minutes for the victory in the WBC match-up on Saturday morning, 71-66. Forward Miriam Slatter put the team on her back to lead Waikato with 12 points during a 23-10 scoring rally to finish the game for the Wizards.

Canterbury largely had control of the game in the first half exploiting the Pistons interior defence with Tess Boagni and Sonja Akkerman combining for 22 points at the long break, giving the Wildcat a 10 point lead, 41-31. Waikato relied heavily on mid-range jumpers and after an early surge on the offensive glass were largely held to just one shot per possession. Waikato's defence improved as Canterbury failed to score a field goal for seven minutes in the third quarter, as the Wizards corralled the game back to a one-point deficit, 43-42. Hayley Gray and Shea Crotty provided the offensive explosion that was needed for the Red and Blacks with two three-pointers, and held a 53-48 lead going into the fourth. Slatter found gaps around the hoop after Waikato penetration and veteran guard Leanne Walker slotted a key three-pointer, as well as a back-court steal and lay-in that proved the difference in the game.

Playmaker and Wildcats’ Captain Shea Crotty fought hard against defensive pressure for 18 points and seven assists. Boagni couldn't add to her magnificent first half effort of 14 points as the Wizards employed improved coverage on her. Sonja Akkerman chimed in with baskets when they were most needed and had 13 points and nine boards. Guard Hayley Gray had 12 points, six boards and drew 7 fouls though good attacking initiative.

The Wildcats early advantage at the free throw line was matched by the Waikato's aggressive play in the second as both teams took advantage when fouled - Canterbury 21/32 and Waikato 20/26. Turnovers crept into the Wildcats game with 21 (13 in the second half) compared to only 10 for the Wizards. 

The Wildcats now face Auckland Lady Hawks (3-3) at 7pm, who have two wins this weekend already, accounting for Otago and Nelson.

Waikato Pistons 71 (Miriam Slatter 19, Rhaiah Spooner-Knight 16, Leanne Walker 14, Natasha Lenden 10)
Canterbury Wildcats 66 (Shea Crotty 18, Tessa Boagni 14, Sonja Akkerman 13, Hayley Gray 12)
Halftime 31-41
BOXSCORE - Link here

ALSO Check out Wildcats photos from the weekend here courtesy of AJ van Hasselt