U18 Nationals: SA Metro win epic OT thriller

• Keira Gardiner's monster double-double helped SA Metro win in OT against QLD North
• Vic Metro and NSW Metro haven't been troubled in their first two games
• WA Metro are also undefeated after two impressive performances

A monster performance from Keira Gardiner has helped South Australia Metro to a nail-biting 89-85 overtime victory over Queensland North to tip-off day two of the women's championships at the South Pine Sports Complex in Moreton Bay.

Gardiner had 22 points and 17 rebounds as SA Metro overcame a late comeback from Queensland North and remain the one of two undefeated teams in Pool A, alongside Victoria Metro.

The game began with Queensland taking a slight 20-19 first-quarter edge before South Australia responded with a dominant 28-16 second quarter, building a comfortable 47-36 halftime advantage.

Queensland rallied in the second half, winning the fourth quarter 24-14 to force overtime, where South Australia ultimately prevailed with a 9-5 advantage in the extra period.

The game featured several momentum shifts, with South Australia's 11-point halftime lead evaporating as Queensland mounted a 13-point scoring run in the second half.

Gardiner kept South Australia afloat with her interior presence, while Taryn Bond's clutch performance for Queensland forced the overtime period. South Australia's ability to regroup in overtime proved decisive, outscoring Queensland by four points to secure the hard-fought victory.

Annaliese Elliott delivered a captain's performance for South Australia with 23 points, including three three-pointers and eight free throws while Gardiner provided an equally impressive contribution with 22 points on an efficient 10-from-20 shooting, giving South Australia a dominant frontcourt presence.

Queensland's effort was led by Bond's 24 points, highlighted by efficient interior scoring (7-from-9 on two-pointers) and solid free-throw shooting (7-from-9).

The rebounding battle proved decisive, with South Australia securing a substantial 63-50 advantage on the boards, including 28 offensive rebounds that led to 30 second-chance points.

Both teams struggled from beyond the arc, with South Australia shooting 22 percent (8-from-35) and Queensland 24 percent (6-from-25), while Queensland forced more turnovers (18-15) and converted them into 30 points, South Australia's dominance on the glass ultimately proved the difference.

POOL A RESULTS

Vic Metro def NSW Country 95-37

Victoria Metro's red-hot form to start the tournament continued on day two, beating New South Wales Country by 58 points to stay undefeated and on top of Pool A.

Victoria were able to share the minutes around with no player featuring for less than 13 minutes of court time. Sophie Richardson led the way with 15 points.

Isabelle Burns had 11 points and six rebounds for NSW Country.

Tasmania def WA Country 99-57

A 19-point performance from skipper Portia Chopping helped Tasmania to a convincing 42-point win over Western Australia Country.

Chopping was just one of six players from Tasmania to reach double figures.

Ella Edwards had 16 points for WA Country.

POOL B RESULTS

WA Metro def ACT 106-67

Western Australia Metro built on their dominant win over Queensland South on the opening day with a 39-point victory over ACT for their second consecutive win.

A 34-12 fourth quarter was the highlight for the victors, who were led by Natalia Chisi with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Zara Funnell had 21 points for ACT.

Vic Country def QLD South 68-63

Victoria Country have survived an improved performance from Queensland South to record a thrilling five-point win over the hosts in overtime.

Mica Nightingale starred for Victoria Country with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Jovana Ilic had 23 points and seven rebounds for Queensland.

NSW Metro def SA Country 74-42

New South Wales Metro's title defence just keeps rolling on after a dominant 32-point win over SA Country on the second day of the tournament.

The defence from the defending champions suffocated their opponents from South Australia, who scored single digits in two of the four quarters.

Rebecca Donnelly and Nadia Aukuso led the way with 15 points each for NSW.