Sheffield qualify for WBBL Trophy Semi-Finals
WBBL Trophy, Group Stage
Manchester Mystics 67-80 Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters (14-29, 39-42, 54-66)
Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters are one step closer to making their second major WBBL final of the season, after qualifying for the WBBL Trophy Semi-Finals by defeating Manchester Mystics 80-67.
Hatters will now go on to face Durham Palatinates, who also qualified earlier today.
Leading scorers – Evelyn Ovner 16, Samantha Roscoe 13, Georgia Jones 12 (Mystics) – Sarah Toeaina 18, Helen Naylor 16, Alisson Gorrell 15 (Hatters)
Turning point – Hatters had a very comfortable 15 point lead after the first quarter but by half-time Manchester pulled back that lead to just three points. After six minutes of the third period, Sheffield exploded on a 17-6 run which put them back ahead by 14 and was enough to hold onto the final buzzer.
Key stat – Both teams shared 13 turnovers in the game but it was Sheffield who were able to capitalise on their opponent’s more, scoring 17 points from Mystics’ 13 turnovers, compared to just seven points by the home-side.
Game hero – Sarah Toeaina’s double-double performance was a crucial part of Sheffield’s win. She picked up 18 points, 15 rebounds, two assists and three steals.