Aokuso on fire to start QBL campaign

JCU Townsville Fire championship winner Zitina Aokuso has made an opening round statement to start this week’s Winter Update.

Having recently inked a two-year contract extension with the Fire, the under-19 Australian representative made a stunning debut for Logan in the QBL as she posted a game-high 24 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and two steals as the Thunder claimed a 67-61 road victory over Rockhampton.

The next day Aokuso posted 20 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, three assists and three steals in their 52-59 loss to Mackay.

Fellow championship winner Mikhaela Donnelly was also impressive for the Thunder as she averaged nine points, five rebounds and three-and-a-half assists across the weekend.

In France, Suzy Batkovic’s title hopes evaporated as Montpellier were swept in their best-of-three quarter-final series against Landes.

Needing to win to stay alive, BLMA came up short as they lost 57-63 despite a double-double from Batkovic.

The six-time WNBL MVP posted a game-high 17 points and 10 rebounds and will now face seeding games for fifth to eighth to conclude the season.

Finally, Micaela Cocks has made a blistering start at the 3 x 3 Asia Cup in China with New Zealand.

The Kiwis defeated Malaysia 17-12 before downing the hosts 21-10 to set up a quarter-final with Chinese Taipei tomorrow.

A victory will most likely propel them into a semi-final showdown with Australia.