Wolves write a slice of history on Saturday afternoon

WBBL Championship

Oaklands Wolves 90 – 71 Durham Palatinates (21-17, 39-39, 66-62)

Oaklands Wolves have recorded consecutive victories for the first time in the WBBL after beating Durham Palatinates 90-71 in the first ever meeting between the sides.

In another first, it’s their only home win of the campaign so far and a crucial one, with both chasing down a Play-off place, to follow their defeat of the other side in the bottom three, BA London Lions, last week. Wolves now join eighth-placed Cardiff Met Archers on three wins.

Leading scorers – Morris 22, Sarson 15, Harrison 11 (Wolves); Fong Lyew Quee 28, Ottewill-Soulsby 16, Ceazar 12 (Palatinates)

Turning point – The teams traded runs through the first three quarters, heading into the final ten minutes with the hosts only marginally ahead. But Wolves dominated the fourth period through their defence, keeping the visitors scoreless while scoring the first nine points of the quarter to lead 75-62, and never looking back.

Key stat – Palatinates were kept scoreless from the field for over seven minutes in that decisive fourth quarter spell, scoring just four free-throws in that time.

Game hero – Rachel Morris dominated on the inside and nearly tripled her points average in scoring a season-high 22 points to lead the Wolves to victory.