U18 Nationals: Vic Metro make a giant statement

• Sitaya Fagan starred once again with 22 points for Vic Metro
• Vic Country send WA Metro to their first loss of the tournament
• Vic Metro and NSW Metro are the only two unbeaten teams remaining

Victoria Metro appear to be on a collision course with defending champions New South Wales Metro after a 92-45 demolition job of the previously undefeated South Australia Metro at Moreton Bay's South Pine Sports Complex.

The dominant win leaves Victoria Metro as the only unbeaten team remaining in Pool A and seals top spot for them in the group.

Victoria Metro established their dominance early, taking a commanding 24-11 lead in the first quarter and they maintained control throughout the second period, outscoring South Australia 18-10 to extend their advantage to 42-21 at halftime. The Victorian side showed no signs of slowing down after the break, winning the third quarter 27-13 to put the game beyond doubt.

The third quarter proved decisive as Victoria Metro assembled a 14-point scoring run that broke South Australia's resistance. By the three-quarter mark, Victoria held a comfortable 69-34 lead. They continued their dominance in the final period, outscoring their opponents 23-11 to secure the 47-point victory.

Sitaya Fagan delivered an outstanding performance for Victoria Metro with 22 points, shooting an efficient 9-from-17 from the field, including 8-from-14 from two-point range. Her six offensive rebounds helped Victoria dominate the second-chance points category 25-7. Taia McMechan added valuable contributions with seven assists and five steals, orchestrating Victoria's offense while disrupting South Australia's passing lanes.

Victoria's team strategy proved overwhelmingly effective, as they dominated every statistical category. Their interior presence was particularly impressive, outscoring South Australia 56-28 in the paint. Victoria's relentless defensive pressure forced 34 turnovers, which they converted into 30 points. The rebounding battle was equally one-sided, with Victoria securing 56 boards to South Australia's 35, including 26 offensive rebounds that led to multiple scoring opportunities.

South Australia struggled to maintain possession throughout the contest, with their 34 turnovers severely limiting their offensive output. Keira Gardiner provided a bright spot for South Australia with 12 points on efficient 5-from-8 shooting, but the team's overall field goal percentage of 31 percent (17-from-54) was insufficient against Victoria's balanced attack. South Australia particularly struggled from three-point range, connecting on just 2-from-12 attempts (16 percent).

POOL A RESULTS

NSW Country def WA Country 63-57

A red-hot fourth quarter has helped New South Wales Country record their first win of the tournament, beating Western Australia Country by six points.

Kira Juffermans continued her impressive tournament with 19 points and 24 rebounds.

Ella Edwards had 14 points and six rebounds for WA Country.

QLD North def Tasmania 75-57

Isabel Smith continues to show why she is one of the brightest young prospects in Australia with 27 points, seven rebounds and five assists to lead Queensland North to an 18-point win over Tasmania.

Queensland North are still regarded as one of the contenders for the gold medal game despite an earlier loss to SA Metro.

Nikki Parker had 13 points and eight rebounds for Tasmania.

POOL B RESULTS

SA Country def ACT 80-70

A clinical display from South Australia Country skipper Daisy Hocking has led her team to a hard-fought 10-point win over ACT to tip-off day four of action.

Hocking had 21 points, nine rebounds and seven assists to build on her already impressive tournament.

Olivia Brankovic had 24 points and eight rebounds for ACT.

Vic Country def WA Metro 62-47

Victoria Country have sent Western Australia Metro to their first loss of the tournament, with a 22-9 third quarter proving critical in the victory.

Mica Nightingale was the star for the Vics with 12 points and 19 rebounds.

Ella Barmentloo had 13 points and 14 rebounds for WA Metro.

NSW Metro def QLD South 68-36

A suffocating defensive performance has helped defending champions New South Wales Metro remain unbeaten after a 32-point win over the hosts in Queensland South.

NSW Metro never conceded more than 10 points in a quarter as their championship credentials were evident.

Olivia Hastings had 18 points and 13 rebounds for NSW Metro.

OUR U18 WOMEN'S NATIONAL COVERAGE

• Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 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