WENDOUREE, Australia (Interstat) — The top team in the NBL1 South women’s standings meets its closest pursuer Sunday when the Knox Raiders visit the Ballarat Rush at Wendouree.

Knox (12-4) enters the 2 p.m. matchup on a four-game winning streak following an 84-67 victory at Kilsyth on Saturday. The Raiders have won 10 of their last 12 games, with both losses coming on the road. Ballarat (8-5) has won four of its last five games, including a 95-73 home win against Geelong on Saturday.

Forward Haliegh Reinoehl has been the catalyst for Knox’s recent surge. In Saturday’s win over Kilsyth, Reinoehl logged 27 minutes, scoring 20 points with eight rebounds and one assist. Over her last four games, she has averaged 13.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. Against Dandenong on May 23, she played 35 minutes, recording 15 points and four rebounds in a 91-73 victory.

Ballarat counters with guard Malia Fisher, who has been equally productive. In Saturday’s win against Geelong, Fisher played 26 minutes, finishing with 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. She also posted 22 points and seven rebounds in a 107-72 rout at Ringwood on May 23.

The game marks a critical juncture for both teams. Knox holds a 2.5-game lead over Ballarat in the standings, and a Raiders win would further distance them from the pack. Ballarat, meanwhile, looks to close the gap and improve its 4-3 home record.

Knox’s balanced attack extends beyond Reinoehl. Alicia Froling contributed 13 points, eight rebounds and two blocks against Kilsyth, while guard Agnes Emma Nnopu added 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Ballarat’s depth was evident Saturday, as Camille Hobby posted 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists, and guard Casey Samuels scored 18 points with five rebounds and eight assists.

The teams split their two meetings last season. Knox defeated Ballarat 82-76 in the teams’ most recent encounter on June 2, 2025.

Knox’s schedule after Sunday includes a home game against Ringwood on June 13, while Ballarat travels to face Keilor on June 5.