Whangaruru hold on to top spot

Whangaruru have held on to their top of the table status in the final round of the Super Basketball League, with a close 86-83 victory over Maunu Lights.

The competition leaders were tested by Maunu on Saturday - Ethan Penney was outstanding for the Lights, shooting 32, while Casey Namana contributed 22. But Whangaruru maintained their composure, and stole the narrow win off Maunu.

Tolu Hetaraka top-scored (22) for Whangaruru, while Imrahn Wihongi-Henare put up 13. They are now scheduled to face off against the fourth qualifier next Saturday.

The third placed qualifier will play City Hawks, who were just one win behind Whangaruru heading into round 10.

City also won at the weekend, defeating Raumanga 82-81 in a thrilling game, so their result did not change their second place standing. Kane Rudolph (23) and Warrick Siddall (17) were solid for the Hawks, while Corey Te Tai shot a massive 37 points for Raumanga, and the consistent Herb Smith landed 20. Meanwhile, in Saturday's other game, Kaikohe had to forfeit to Portland.

Portland and Maunu round off the top four spots in the competition and will occupy the third and fourth qualifier berths, but which order they will finish on the table had not been confirmed at the time of publication.

Semifinal one featuring Whangaruru and the fourth qualifier tips off at 2pm Saturday at Kensington, while City will play the third qualifier at 3.30pm in the second semi.

The winners of each semifinal then play off in a grand final showdown, on February 17.

In the women's division, Whangaruru comfortably beat mid-North side Pewhairangi 70-46 on Friday, while the Portland Rangers defeated the Phoenix, 47-39.

This Friday at Kensington Stadium Whangaruru go up against the Phoenix, at 6pm and the Rangers play Pewhairangi, tip-off at 7.30pm.