The Wrap

Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters and Sevenoaks Suns remain perfect in the WBBL Championship, while three teams advanced in the WBBL Cup.

Steph Gandy played the full 40 minutes and poured in a game-high 24 points to help lead Sheffield to a 76-73 success at home to Nottingham Wildcats.

All five starters hit double figures as the Hatters sealed victory with a 6-0 close that included a game-tying triple from Krizstina Velkey before Gandy’s go-ahead basket.

Ashley Harris had 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats, but they were unable to prevent Sheffield improving to 6-0 at the top.

Meanwhile, Sevenoaks claimed their fifth straight win as they overcame previously unbeaten Leicester Riders on the road for a 64-74 triumph.

Judit Fritz top scored with 22 points on 10-of-14 shooting, whilst adding six assists as the Suns recovered from trailing 31-17 after the first quarter.

“It was definitely a quality win for us,” declared Renee Busch, who added 11 points from the bench.

“I think we did well at keeping our composure and facing adversity, particularly in the first quarter as Leicester came out firing on all cylinders and we fell behind.

“We locked in on defence, communicated better and played more together for the rest of the game, which got us back on track.

“I think we’ve learned a lot so far this season, but we still have a lot more growth to make as a team. We’ll keep improving and each game is an opportunity to get better and go out there and compete.

“It’s awesome to see the progress in the league as a whole to the point where if a team doesn’t ‘show up’ (ready to play) on any given day, it’s anyone’s game.

“You want to be challenged at this point in the season.”

She added: “I think the key for us is to stay all in and to keep doing what we’re doing.

“Keep learning from each game and each practice, keep working hard in the gym, enjoy the process and stay together.

“We’ll only get better as our chemistry improves on the floor. It’s still early days and it’s a long season.”

In the Cup, Oaklands Wolves picked up their second win of the season as they edged out BA London Lions 71-73 in overtime away from home, despite 28 points from debutante Ursula Cotton.

Kellie Ring led the way with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Rachel Morris pulled down 17 boards to go with 14 points.

Caledonia Pride also advanced to the Quarter-Finals as they defeated Cardiff Met Archers 55-64 on the road with Sarah Thomson netting 14 points to lead a balanced attack.

On Sunday, Team Northumbria made it through with a comfortable 87-65 victory over Durham Palatinates with Evelyn Ovner putting up 27 points on 76% shooting to help her side progress.