Lacey Lowdown:
As expected the top of the table clash between Auckland Girls Grammar and Mt Albert Grammar was a close uncompromising affair eventually won 60-52 by the defending champions Auckland.
Mt Albert made a sluggish start only managing six points in the opening stanza – Teneva Ropati exceeded that on her own for Auckland as they carved out a 14-6 lead.
A couple of threes from Jada Manase triggered a good run in the second from Mt Albert with the scores locked at 25 apiece at half-time.
Forward Mele Latu scored 8 points in the third as Auckland once again wrestled some semblance of control to lead 40-36.
Sharne Pupuke-Robati, earning herself multiple trips to the foul line, kept Mt Albert in touch but Latu and Teneva Ropati kept finding the hoop to earn Auckland the regular season title.
Pupuke-Robati will head to North Shore Events Centre on Sunday to join the NZ Premier team against University of California, Berkley whilst the rest of the players can prepare for semi-final action next Friday.