Wildcats fend off Hatters to stamp pass to The 02

WBBL Play-Off Semi-Finals
Nottingham Wildcats 70 (19, 39, 56) (Ferreira 24, Harris 16, Mendes 13)
Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters 64 (9, 32, 48) (Gandy 20, Naylor 19, Campbell 10)

WBBL champions Nottingham Wildcats are still on course for more silverware after punching a ticket for the 2017 British Basketball Play-Off Finals at The 02 with a 70-64 home success against Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters.

With Portuguese playmaker Joana Ferreira in fine form in the backcourt and coming up with 24 points, as well as Ashley Harris accumulating a massive double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds in the frontcourt, Wildcats just had enough to see off their opponents.

It had looked like Wildcats were going to storm to another Play-Off Final return in the early stages as they built a big double-digit advantage at 33-19 during the second quarter, but Hatters remained in contention – thanks mainly to Great Britain winger Helen Naylor and veteran Steph Gandy.

They helped to close the gap and by the time the contest headed into crunch time, it was locked up at 59-59 with just five minutes remaining on the game clock. Hatters then looked like they might be on course for a brilliant comeback victory as Naylor dropped a big triple to give them the lead.

However, Nottingham finished strongly down the stretch by scoring 9 of the last 11 points in the contest, to seal the deal.

Wildcats will play either Leicester Riders or Sevenoaks Suns in the title game on Sunday 14 May. The second Semi-Final takes place on Sunday 7 May at 12.45 and will be streamed live on the Leicester Riders Facebook page.