All 8 Schick 3×3 Cup quarter-finals are now in the books, with the Mid City Magic, Auckland Dream, Northern Kahu and Canterbury Rams joining the Southland Sharks, Whai Women, Wellington Saints and Mainland Pouakai locked into the semi-finals from 5pm this afternoon.
Game 1: Southland Sharks 21, Whai Men 17
The hometown Southland Sharks picked up a spirited 21-17 win over the Whai Mens in Game 1, led by Alonzo Burton’s 6 and Dom Kelman-Poto, Tom Cowie and Dru-leo Leusogi-Ape with 5 apiece. Mitch Dance had 9 for the Whai while 3×3 star Tai Wynyard was held to 3 points. The Sharks progress to the semis against the Wellington Saints (5.25pm), as they look to defend their 2020 Schick 3×3 Cup title.
Game 2: Whai Women 16, Otago Gold Rush 11
Game 2 saw the Whai Women knock out the highly-ranked Otago Gold Rush 16-11, thanks to 7 points from Bulou Tuisue and 6 from Dominique McBryde; Whai hitting 7 shots from behind the arc as a team. Nicole Gleason – the Schick 3×3 Cup’s leading scorer – was held to 5 for the Gold Rush. Whai will next face the Mainland Pouakai at 5.05pm.
Game 3: Wellington Saints 21, Manawatu Jets 20
The Wellington Saints and Manawatu Jets put on a show in Game 3; the scores locked at 20 all before Samuel scored the winning basket under the rim. Taane Samuel and Kenneth Tuffin each scored 6 points for the Saints, while James Cawthorn racked up 11 for the Jets (including 4 from downtown) in a losing effort. The Saints will match up against the defending champs, Southland Sharks at 5.25pm today.
Game 4: Mainland Pouakai 21, Southern Hoiho 18
Favourites Mainland Pouakai knocked out the Southern Hoiho 21-18 in the 4th game, in a battle of southern women’s teams. Tessa Boagni dominated with her 8 points and fellow Tall Fern Jacinta Beckley chipped in 6; 3×3 Tall fern Ella Fotu adding 5. Caitlin O’Connell racked up 10 points – including a trio of shots from downtown – in the Hoiho loss. Pouakai take on Whai women at 5.05pm.
Game 5: Mic City Magic 21, Nelson Giants 15
The Mid City Magic knocked out the Nelson Giants 21-15 in Game 5, with 3×3 Tall Black Richie Rodger and Pafe Momoisea scoring 7 points apiece and Benji Freeman chipping in 5. Tall Black Sam Dempster hit a trio of shots from outside for his 6 points, but the Giants couldn’t overcome the Magic’s superior inside play. The Magic will face the Canterbury Rams in the semis at 6.05pm.
Game 6: Auckland Dream 18, Tokomanawa Queens 14
Game 6 saw the Auckland Dream progressing to the semis with a 18-14 victory over the Tokomanawa Queens; 3×3 Tall Ferns Esra McGoldrick and Tiarna Clarke scoring 6 each and Sharne Pupuke-Robati adding 4. Aria Cowley scored 7 for the Queens in the tough loss, with Josie Stockill chipping in with 4. The Dream take on the Northern Kahu at 5.45pm today.
Game 7: Northern Kahu 22, Taranaki Thunder 13
The Northern Kahu have dominated the Taranaki Thunder in Game 7, earning a 22-13 win thanks to the efforts of Chevannah Paalvast and her 14 points – the most points scored in the quarter-finals. Terai Sadler scored 4 points in the Thunder loss, with Teghan Ngatai, Arna Bright and Eva Langton adding 3 each. The Kahu will face Auckland Dream at 5.45pm today.
Game 8: Canterbury Rams 21, Auckland Tuatara 16
The final game of the quarter-finals saw the Canterbury Rams take out Auckland Tuatara 21-16, thanks to 9 points from Tall Black Taylor Britt; Aidan Tonge adding 6 and Sam Smith with 5. Reuben Fitzgerald racked up 8 points for the Tuatara , while Liam Judd chipped in with 4. The Rams earn a semi-finals date with the Mid City Magic at 6.05pm tonight.
The Schick 3×3 Cup semi-finals begin from 5pm tonight, all live on Sky Sport. Follow the Cup online at Schick3x3.basketball
