Lacey Lowdown:
Mount Albert Grammar inflicted on Auckland Girls Grammar just their second defeat in the past two Premier seasons to take out the College Sport Auckland Premier Basketball Championships winning 59-52 at North Shore Events Centre on Friday.
Opposing forwards Mele Latu and Rikki Fiatau were prominent early on as Mt Albert forged a 12-6 lead in a tight opening spell.
Laetitia Tuaiti knocked down a three for Auckland Girls but Sharne Pupuke-Robati (a team high 21 points) replied in similar fashion for Mt Albert.
Latu had a spell on the bench after picking up three early fouls but on her return she reeled off ten points and although Fiatau scored eight points in the second quarter Auckland led 28-27 at half-time.
The outstanding Latu, who led all scorers with 26 points, continued with the hot hands in the third and aided by Elianna Tuaiti and Tyla Tuala the defending champions opened up a 38-33 advantage.