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Both NZ teams ended their campaigns on a winning note on the final day of the Australian U16 State Championships at Logan.

The men took an early initiatve of their encounter with New South Wales Country with a 10-point run over the first and second quarters, but had to withstand a second-half rally that threatened to rob them of victory.

With 4m remaining, the lead was down to two points, but the Kiwis regained control to ease clear for good for a 62-53 result and fifth place.

They dominated the boards, out-rebounding their rivals under their own basket. In a scrappy display, the teams combined for 55 turnovers, shooting a combined 47/135 (34.8%), 5/29 (17.2%) and 16/43 FT (37.2%).

Harbour guard Tai Webster led all scorers with 15 points (5/23 FG, 1/6 3pt, 4/7 FT), while provincial team-mate Sesilili Palei grabbed 10 rebounds.

Meanwhile, another dominant performance from Waitakere forward Penina Davidson guided the NZ women to a 71-69 win over South Australia Metro and seventh position.

They fell behind during the first quarter, but took a lead in the third period and edged clear over the closing stages. The Kiwis dominated in the paint, enjoying a 40-24 scoring advantage around the basket, but made life hard on themselves with 36 turnovers.

Davidson led all scorers with 25 points, adding 12 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks.

Australian U16 State Championships

Logan, Queensland
Saturday, July 10
Men
Fifth/sixth playoff
New Zealand 62 (Tai Webster 15) New South Wales Country 53
Q1 18-11
HT 31-22 (13-11)
Q3 46-43 (15-21)
FT 62-53 (16-10)

Women
Seventh/eighth playoff
New Zealand 71 (Penina Davidson 25, Monique Hornby 11) South Australia Metro 69
Q1 10-15
HT 26-31 (16-16)
Q3 49-45 (23-14)
FT 71-69 (22-24)