From the Vault: NBL Classic Matches | #7

NBL Classic Match #7: 2017 WBC Grand Final | Canterbury Wildcats vs. Taranaki Thunder

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We head to 2017 for our next classic match. The 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. The win was built around floor general Terina Wanoa (13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists) and MVP Ashley Gayle.

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 Jess Tuki 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.

Despite several 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 jump shot took Canterbury to a 45-37 lead with 6:30 to play. Consecutive baskets from Connie Poletti 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 was voted WBC Coach of the Year for a second time following her teams success.

CANTERBURY WILDCATS (57) defeated Taranaki Thunder (43)

Tier 1 All-Star Five:

Ashley Gale (Canterbury Wildcats)

Charlisse Leger-Walker (Waikato Wizards)

Donna Fermanis (Waikato Country Cannons)

Jessica Tuki (Taranaki Thunder)

Sariah Penese (Capital Swish)