Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats retained the WBC title with a dominant second half performance defeating a plucky Taranaki Thunder 57-43 in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Cowles Stadium on Saturday evening. The win was built around floor general Terina Wanoa (166-G-96) (13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists) and MVP Ashley Gayle (193-F-90, college: Texas). After Taranaki made the slightly better start, shading a nervy first quarter 12-10, the game swung in favour of the home team. The forward tussle between Taranaki's Jessica Tuki (185-F/C-87) and Lyndi Laborn and Canterbury's Darcy Rose and Ashley Gayle was a feature of a low scoring second period. Six points in the quarter from penetrative point guard Wanoa proved to be the difference between the two teams - 24-18 in favour of the hosts at half-time. Courtney Keech (175-G-97) opened the scoring in the second half but animated Taranaki coach Angelo Hill was forced to call a time out after turnovers on consecutive possessions proved costly. The impressive Wanoa stretched the Canterbury lead to ten points before Simone Cook struck back with a corner three - 30-23. Isabelle Cook made consecutive scores but the clouds were gathering for the Thunder as Tuki (four fouls) and Laborn (back injury) were forced to the bench. To make matters worse Isabelle Cook took a blow to the face and had to retire from the game. Despite the set backs Taranaki were very much in the hunt at three-quarter time just six points down - 38-32. Laborn returned to connect with a triple but a Hayley Gray (171-G-89) jump shot took Canterbury to a 45-37 lead with 6:30 to play. Consecutive baskets from Connie Poletti (180-F-97) and a reverse lay up from MVP Gayle stretched the advantage allowing the Canterbury supporters to relax and celebrate back-to-back titles. Canterbury Coach Lori McDaniel , voted WBC Coach of the Year for a second time paid tribute to the efforts of her team. 'We are a very deep team and I think ultimately that strength in depth was probably the telling factor in our success. Taranaki were worthy finalists and extremely well coached by Angelo Hill. 'To win consecutive titles takes a lot of hard work and I want to thank all the players for their efforts as well as my coaching colleagues Josh Thompson, Sally and Gina Farmer - it was a real team effort.' Courtesy of: basketball.org.nz
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