Mystics start Trophy with win over Pride.

WBBL Trophy, North Group
Caledonia Pride 50 (11,24,32) (Oakes 16, Bastian 11, Thomson 9)
Manchester Mystics 59 (13,30,49) (Allen 16, Browne 15, Jones 12)

Manchester Mystics held off a late rally from Caledonia Pride to record an opening 50-59 success in the WBBL Trophy.

Last week’s Cup Final MVP Dominique Allen led the way with 16 points and 11 rebounds with Georgia Jones handing out nine assists to go with 12 points.

Natalie Bastian scored five points in a 9-2 start for Caledonia, but the visitors responded and edged ahead by the end of the opening period with a 10-0 run across quarters.

The gap extended to six points by half-time before Manchester pushed clear in the third quarter with a 13-2 burst capped by a triple from Jones to make it 26-45.

Pride were down 17 ahead of the final quarter, but cut the gap with 12 unanswered points with less than three minutes remaining. Amy Browne snapped a six-minute drought for the Mystics and they were able to hold on for victory.

Tricia Oakes posted a double-double of 16 points and 13 boards to pace Pride, but their valiant effort fell short in search of a maiden win.