Pride ease past rookies and deny Durham maiden win
WBBL Championship
Durham Palatinates 58 – 65 Caledonia Pride (16-21, 39-34, 48-49)
Caledonia Pride jumped two places in the WBBL Championship table after a 65-58 road win at Durham Palatinates moved them to a 2-2 record.
It’s a second consecutive win in all competitions for Pride, as Tricia Oakes led them in a strong second half performance to take this one.
Leading scorers – Fong Lyew Quee 19, Quintas 15, Tarnachowicz 12 (Palatinates); Oakes 15, Lewis 12, Peacock 12 (Pride)
Turning point – After the teams had exchanged first half runs, with Durham edging it, Pride dominated the second half and allowed their hosts just 19 points in 20 minutes. Oakes put them back in front as she capped a 6-0 opening to the third quarter, and they never relinquished that lead despite the game remaining close.
Key stat – Pride’s defence and quick transition play helped them to edge this one, as they forced 19 turnovers from their hosts and scored 21 points from those, shooting 56% from two-point range.
Game hero – Tricia Oakes led Pride with 15 points on 77% shooting, as well as grabbing eight rebounds and scoring crucial baskets in both the third and fourth quarters.