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Waitakere forward Penina Davidson compiled an impressive double double as New Zealand nearly upset women’s titleholders Victoria Metro in their opening game of the Australian U16 Championships at Logan, finally losing 67-76.

Davidson, a tournament team selection at the recent NZ U17 Championships, scored 17 points (8/14 FG, 1/6 FT) and snatched 16 rebounds against the champions, adding two assists, two steals and a blocked shot.

The Kiwis led by two points at halftime and were only a point adrift entering the final period, but lost that quarter 13-21.

They enjoyed a comfortable rebounding advantage, including 20 offensive boards (seven to Davidson), but also committed 35 turnovers and shot atrociously (6/25) from the free-throw line.

New Zealand have a bye on Sunday, before facing last year’s runners-up South Australian Country, losers to Queensland North in their first outing.

Meanwhile, the NZ men opened their account with a comfortable 91-35 win over 2009 wooden spooners Northern Territory, leading by 12 points after one quarter and never allowing their rivals in the contest.

Mark Kelly of Western Bay of Plenty amassed 18 points/19 rebound, while North Harbour’s Sesilili Palei led all scorers with 20 points (9/11 FG, 2/4 FT)

They also draw the bye on Sunday.

Australian U16 Championships

Logan, Queensland
Saturday, July 3
Men
New Zealand 91 (Sesilili Palei 20, Mark Kelly 18, Nico Buckrell 10, Ben Crombie 10) Northern Territory 35
Q1 19-7
HT 47-16 (28-9)
Q3 65-27 (18-11)
FT 91-35 (26-8)

Women
Victoria Metro 76 New Zealand 67 (Penina Davidson 17, Veshae Asaua-Wilkinson 11, Deena Franklin 10, Idaho Purcell 10)
Q1 12-13
HT 26-28 (14-15)
Q3 55-54 (29-26)
FT 76-67 (21-13)