U18 Nationals: Hastings leads NSW Metro to top spot

• Olivia Hastings was the performer of the day with 20 points and 14 rebounds for NSW Metro
• Vic Metro came back from a double-digit deficit with five minutes left to beat QLD North
• The hosts, QLD South, booked a quarterfinal spot with a win over ACT

A monster double-double from Olivia Hastings has led New South Wales Metro to a thrilling 66-59 overtime win over Victoria Country to remain unbeaten heading into quarterfinals and seal top spot in Pool at Moreton Bay's South Pine Sports Complex.

Hastings had 20 points and 14 rebounds as New South Wales fought off the tough Vics to win their fifth straight game and book their spot to play Tasmania in the crossovers.

The match opened as a defensive battle with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm as Victoria Country held a narrow 12-11 advantage after the first quarter, but NSW Metro responded with a strong second period, outscoring their opponents 14-8 to take a 25-20 lead into halftime. Hastings established herself early, using her dominant inside presence to score efficiently and control the glass.

The third quarter saw NSW Metro extend their advantage behind Kaila Proctor's hot shooting from beyond the arc as the Blues outscored Victoria Country 19-17 in the period, building a seven-point cushion at 44-37 heading into the final quarter. However, Victoria Country refused to surrender, mounting a determined comeback in the fourth. Jasmine King found her shooting touch from deep, connecting on four three-pointers throughout the contest to lead her team's resurgence.

With 3:45 remaining in regulation, Mica Nightingale's layup capped an 8-2 run for Victoria Country, tying the game at 49-all. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, with neither able to gain separation. Victoria Country's defence tightened, holding NSW Metro to just eight points in the final quarter while scoring 15 themselves to force overtime knotted at 52-52.

In the extra period, NSW Metro's superior depth proved decisive. Hastings dominated the overtime session, scoring six of her 20 points in the additional five minutes. Her impressive 9-from-14 shooting from the field (64%) highlighted an efficient offensive performance that Victoria Country couldn't match. NSW Metro controlled the tempo in overtime, outscoring their opponents 14-7 to secure the seven-point victory.

The rebounding battle proved even with both teams collecting 56 rebounds, but NSW Metro converted their opportunities more efficiently, shooting 32% from the field compared to Victoria Country's 25%. NSW Metro's defence was particularly impactful, forcing 21 turnovers while committing just 17 themselves.

Victoria Country will face Queensland North in their quarterfinal.

POOL A RESULTS

Tasmania def NSW Country 72-63

A clinical shooting performance from Bailie Wickham helped Tasmania overcome New South Wales Country by nine points and book their place in the quarterfinals.

Wickham had 25 points, including four triples, to lead her side while teammate Nikki Parker had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Tasmania have a tough task in the crossovers as they go against the defending champion NSW Metro.

NSW Country will feature in the classification games after the loss. Kira Juffermans continued her impressive tournament with 16 points and 14 rebounds.

Vic Metro def QLD North 67-63

Vic Metro finally met their match in their final pool game, overcoming a double-digit deficit with just five minutes remaining in the game to complete a miracle comeback and beat Queensland North by four points.

The victory meant the Vics finished the pool stages undefeated and will face the hosts, Queensland South, in the quarterfinals. Daisy Nousis was the standout for Vic Metro with 22 points and nine rebounds while Sitaya Fagan had 16 points, six rebounds and eight steals.

Queensland North, who will take on Victoria Country in the crossovers, were led by Taryn Bond with 24 points and eight rebounds.

SA Metro def WA Country 97-38

South Australia Metro sealed second spot in Pool A after a 59-point demolition of WA Metro and will now face WA Metro in the quarterfinals.

Five players reached double figures for South Australia with Abbey Jones recording a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Abigal Durdin had 13 points for WA Country.

POOL B RESULTS

WA Metro def SA Country 71-42

A strong third quarter propelled WA Metro to return to the winner's list after a 29-point victory over SA Country in their final pool game.

After a loss to Vic Country the previous day, WA Metro were determined not to fall in another game and were led by Ella Barmentloo with 16 points and 15 rebounds. They will face SA Metro in their quarterfinal.

Daisy Hocking had another double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds for SA Country, who will feature in the classification games.

QLD South def ACT 74-50

Queensland South have booked their spot in the crossovers after producing their best performance of the tournament, beating ACT by 24 points.

Jovana Ilic continued her impressive week with 21 points and eight rebounds while Mya Moke had 17 points for the hosts, who face a daunting task against Vic Metro in the quarterfinals.

Ava Tawake had 11 points and eight rebounds for ACT.

QUARTER FINALS MATCH-UPS

Victoria Country vs Queensland North

Victoria Metro vs Queensland South

New South Wales Metro vs Tasmania

South Australia Metro vs Western Australia Metro

OUR U18 WOMEN'S NATIONAL COVERAGE

• Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4 Daily Digests
• Michael Houben's key takeaways from day one and day two
• Every player at the U18 Women's National Championships
• Your complete guide to the U18 Nationals