Suns bounce back for big Trophy road win

WBBL Trophy, South Group
Leicester Riders 68 (18,38,58) (Smith 23, Livermore 13, Hayward 10) 
Sevenoaks Suns 76 (13,35,51) (Nikitinaite 19, Carr 17, Busch 14)

Sevenoaks Suns responded from yesterday’s agonising overtime defeat in their WBBL Trophy opener by claiming their first win in a 68-76 success at Leicester Riders.

The home side gained control heading into the last 10 minutes, but a 10-25 fourth quarter effort from Sevenoaks sealed the victory on the road.

Sevenoaks had four players in double digits in the win with Gabriele Nikinitaite leading the way with a 19-point haul and a further 17 points from Cat Carr.

The Riders began to break ahead in the first quarter as they led 16-7, but it was always going to be a close battle between two strong sides.

A three from Mollie Campbell made it a 10-point game prior to a 16-4 reply from the Suns but the Riders re-gained the edge with new signing Erika Livermore making an immediate impression with nine points and eight boards at the half.

The game was tied early in the third before the Riders went on an 11-0 run to seize the upper-hand ahead of the final quarter. However, the Suns compiled a 14-2 run to take the lead at 61-65.

Leicester quickly levelled but Carr capped a timely 7-0 run with a three and Sevenoaks were able to secure an important victory in the South.

Alex Smith top scored with 23 points and added 12 rebounds in the loss, while Livermore also finished with a double-double on debut.