Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters go level on points with the Suns and Riders at the top of the table.
WBBL Championship
Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters 75-59 BA London Lions (18-14, 37-30, 60-48)
Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters opened the weekend’s proceedings with a 75-59 victory over BA London Lions, in front of their home fans.
With their two main title rivals in Trophy Semi-Final action, the Hatters took their opportunity to join the Suns and Riders on 24 points at the top of the league standings. While Sevenoaks still reside in first place, by virtue of their perfect 12-0 record, Sheffield move alongside Leicester into second spot having improved their season tally to 12-2.
Leading scorers – Sarah Toeaina 24, Alison Gorrell / Levke Brodersen 15 (Hatters); Urysla Cotton 20, Ijeoma Ofomata 12, Kristie Velasquez 11 (Lions)
Turning point – The Hatters produced a methodical display, winning each of the first three quarters by at least a basket or two to set up a double-digit buffer heading down the stretch.
Key stat – The hosts forced 19 turnovers and made the extra possessions count. Sheffield scored a game defining 19 points from turnovers compared to just three points scored off turnovers by the Lions.
Game hero(es) – Toeaina led the hosts with a game-high 24 points to go along with 12 rebounds. Gorrell also recorded a double-double for Sheffield, scoring 15 points and collecting 12 rebounds.