Mystics survive thrilling opener as Jones stars.
WBBL Championship
Team Northumbria 74-79 Manchester Mystics (19-21, 37-35, 55-52)
Manchester Mystics came out on top in an entertaining opener away at Team Northumbria with a host of GB internationals showing out.
The visitors led by as many as nine in the final period before surviving a nervy finish to secure their first victory of the new season.
Leading Scorers – Handy 18, Ovner/Gorrell 14 (Northumbria) – Jones 19, Allen 16, Bailey/Chaloner 14 (Mystics)
Turning Point – The home side had a narrow two-point advantage heading into the final 10 minutes, but a 13-2 start for the Mystics put them in control. Northumbria rallied to close to within a single point before Natalie Chaloner hit a huge triple to help seal the win.
Key Stat – With Northumbria relying heavily on their starting five, Mystics were boosted by the role of Chaloner with 14 of her side’s 16 bench points – more than double their opponents.
Game Hero – Georgia Jones was one rebound shy of an impressive triple-double after putting up 19 points along with 10 assists and nine boards in a key all-round display. Meanwhile, GB forward Chantelle Handy had 18 points on her WBBL debut as Northumbria came up short.