Durham etch more history in an epic overtime battle
WBBL Trophy
Durham Palatinates 75-74 Manchester Mystics (14-20, 23-40, 46-53, 63-63)
(After Overtime)
There was excitement for Durham Palatinates as they made club history with a first ever win in the WBBL Trophy at the first attempt.
The north-east side did it in style too, getting off to a winning start in their Trophy Pool by coming back from an 18-point deficit to beat Manchester in a dramatic and thrilling overtime success.
Leading scorers – Gonzalez 23, Ceazer 18, Ottewill-Soulsby 16 (Palatinates), Bailey 20, Allen 17, Roscoe 12 (Mystics)
Turning point – While there were so many twists and turns at the end of regulation and in the extra period, there is no doubt that none of it would have been possible had Durham not launched a superb 11-0 run either side of the third and fourth quarter break. It hauled them back into the contest.
Key stat – A massive 22 offensive boards proved priceless for Durham, along with 15 steals.
Game hero(es) – Harriet Ottewill-Soulsby had a mammoth 16-point and 17-rebound double-double, while Spaniard Maria Gonzalez starred with 23 points and 11 boards.