Friday Feeling

Another five games take place this weekend with ten teams in action on a busy Saturday in the Championship.

Oaklands Wolves play host to Leicester Riders full of confidence having earned their second victory of the season courtesy of a game-winning three at the buzzer, to advance to the quarter-finals of the WBBL Cup.

The home side are arguably enjoying their best stretch of basketball since entering the WBBL and Great Britain youth international Tia Freeman credits the success to a new state of mind.

“We’ve entered this season with an entirely new approach and a clear philosophy on how we want to play.

“Our roster is incredibly versatile and training is extremely competitive. This has undoubtedly helped us compete and play at higher level.

“As a team we want to keep pushing forward – if we play with the principles we’ve set ourselves we can continue to win games.”

A new look squad, only a handful of last year’s roster now suit up for Oaklands. Yet, despite the player overhaul, returnee Lizzie Harrison has witnessed the formation of a strong bond and chemistry over the summer that has translated to improvements on the court.

“Everyone’s bought in to what we’re trying to achieve this season and it reflects in our practice environment and on game days.

“Our aim is to make the playoffs and we are happy with the two early wins, but there’s still a lot of work for us to do. It’s a long season and we’ve yet to play our best basketball – which is exciting.

“We know Leicester can cause problems; they’re an up-tempo team that spread the floor well. We’ll need to be switched on defensively and remain focused for the full 40 minutes if we’re to overcome the Riders.”

Elsewhere, Cardiff Archers welcome the unbeaten Sevenoaks Suns to open the weekend’s proceedings.

Durham Palatinates then host Caledonia Pride still seeking their maiden victory. The side from the North East will have to earn their first win the hard way against a Pride team buoyed by success in the Cup.

At the same time, Molten WBBL Player of the Month Georgia Jones will suit up for Manchester Mystics as BA London Lions visit Lancashire. The road team have the chance to get off the mark against a side that have dropped two of their previous three fixtures.

Team Northumbria conclude the weekend’s schedule at home against the visiting Nottingham Wildcats in what promises to be a spectacular finale. Both sides will be desperate to take victory having somewhat stuttered out of the gates to start the season.

WBBL Fixtures Saturday

Archers v Sevenoaks – 2:00pm

Palatinates v Pride – 3:00pm

Mystics v Lions – 3:00pm

Wolves v Riders – 3:45pm

Northumbria v Wildcats – 4:00pm

#BritishBasketball