U18 Nationals: Defending champs fight off WA Metro

• SA Metro shot the lights out against NSW Country with 15 triples
• Vic Metro, NSW Metro and SA Metro remain unbeaten
• See expert Michael Houben's key takeaways from day one and day two

New South Wales Metro have gone one step closer to securing top spot in Pool B after fighting off a hardnosed WA Metro side 69-63 to remain unbeaten heading into day four of the tournament at the South Pine Sports Complex in Queensland's Moreton Bay.

NSW Metro gained an early advantage, leading 17-14 after the first quarter before WA Metro responded in the second period, edging it 16-13 to level the scores at 30-30 by halftime.

The game remained competitive with several momentum swings, but NSW Metro seized control in the third quarter with a decisive 21-14 run that gave them a seven-point cushion heading into the final period.

The third quarter proved to be the difference-maker, with NSW Metro going on a 10-point scoring run midway through the period. Their improved shooting efficiency and defensive intensity allowed them to build their largest lead of nine points but WA Metro mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, however the defending champion NSW Metro maintained their composure to close out the six-point victory.

Olivia Hastings provided a tremendous spark off the bench for NSW Metro, recording 17 points and 12 rebounds in just 24 minutes of play. Her efficient 8-from-15 shooting from the field and six offensive rebounds created crucial second-chance opportunities. Meanwhile, Kaila Proctor contributed 14 points, including two three-pointers, along with five rebounds and three assists in a captain's performance.

The rebounding battle proved decisive, with NSW Metro dominating the glass 55-45. Their 22 offensive rebounds led to seven second-chance points and helped them overcome some shooting struggles. Despite both teams shooting under 35% from the field, NSW Metro's ability to generate extra possessions proved the difference. They outscored WA Metro 38-30 in the paint, leveraging their inside advantage.

For WA Metro, Reece Anticevic delivered an outstanding performance with a game-high 24 points on efficient shooting (60% from the field), including an impressive 4-from-5 from three-point range. Her 10 rebounds gave her team a double-double, but NSW Metro's balanced scoring attack ultimately prevailed with four players scoring eight or more points compared to just two for WA Metro.

POOL A RESULTS

Vic Metro def Tasmania 87-60

The favourites to take out the gold medal this week, in Victoria Metro, are still yet to be challenged after three days following a convincing 27-point win over Tasmania.

Five players scored in double figures for Vic Metro, led by Daisy Nousis with 15 points while Matilda Trout had 13.

Andie Smith had 18 points and 12 rebounds for Tasmania.

QLD North def WA Country 96-33

Queensland North returned to the winner's list after a dominant 63-point win over WA Country to rebound from an overtime loss to South Australia Metro on day two.

Eden Catip led the way for Queensland North with 24 points and five steals as four others also scored more than 10 points for the victors.

Ashlee Monaghan had 12 points and 15 rebounds for WA Country.

SA Metro def NSW Country 96-68

South Australia Metro once again proved why they are contenders for another gold medal, earning a convincing 28-point win over NSW Country to stay undefeated after three days.

SA Metro hit 15-from-33 threes at 45% as their perimeter threat proved too much for their opponents with Sarah Warner leading the way with 16 points.

Kira Juffermans had 17 points and six rebounds for NSW Country.

POOL B RESULTS

Vic Country def ACT 86-58

A suffocating third quarter defensive performance from Victoria Country was the highlight of their 28-point win over ACT as they built on their hard-fought win over Queensland South from the second day of the tournament.

Vic Country allowed just five points from ACT in the third quarter and scored 17 of their own as they ran away with the game. Poppy Myers had 15 points for Country.

Olivia Brankovic had 20 points for ACT.

QLD South def SA Country 63-60

Queensland South have recorded their first win of the tournament, overcoming a late six-point deficit as Mya Moke hit the game-sealing jump shot to get the undermanned hosts their first victory.

Moke was a standout with 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists while Jovana Ilic had 22 points and nine rebounds for Queensland South.

Daisy Hocking had 22 points and 11 rebounds for SA Country.