WBBL Trophy, quarter-final

 Cardiff Met Archers 55-104 London Lions (2-33, 20-52, 44-73)
(Archers: Hatch, 15; Saiki, 14; Marchizotti, 7 – Lions: Hersler, 20; Beckford-Norton, 19; Vorpahl, 18)

London Lions advanced to the semi-finals of the WBBL Trophy with a 104-55 win over Cardiff Met Archers at Archers Arena on Wednesday night.

It was a first-quarter blitz that effectively ended the game as a contest as the current Trophy holders reeled off the first 17 points, holding the Welsh side to just two points in the opening ten minutes.

Cardiff eventually found their groove in the second period, but by then, it was game over, as London’s target of retaining the WBBL Trophy is still shining.

With Holly Winterburn, Kiki Herbert Harrigan, Ty Battle and Paige Robinson inactive, Paulina Hersler paced the winners with 20 points and seven rebounds, with Shanice Beckford-Norton adding 19.

Shannon Hatch led the Archers with 15 points.

Five minutes into the first period, Cardiff finally got off the mark thanks to a jumper from Mara Marchizotti. Still, the Lions were relentless on offence, leading 33-2 after the first ten minutes.

London maintained their ruthless defence in the next quarter as they held the Archers scoreless for the first three minutes, while scores from Kat Snytsina and Chantel Charles at the other end extended the lead to 37-2.

A jumper from Issy Bunyan handed her side just their second field goal of the game, and from there, Cardiff were able to find a way to put points on the board.

However, the Lions’ well-structured offence once again proved too much as they led by 32 points at the half.

Despite the massive deficit, Cardiff came out in the third quarter like a different side. They were full of attacking energy and went at the Lions.

Lauren Saiki made her way inside for the lay-up for the quarter’s opening score, and Montana State-bound Bunyan stripped Snytsina and scored on resulting free throws.

Snytsina responded in the next possession with a three-pointer to keep London’s lead above 30 points and, despite being reeled by Cardiff’s improved mindset, still led 73-44.

Eager to put a subpar third quarter behind them, the Lions responded with an 11-0 start to the fourth period that saw the lead balloon to 41 points and end any hope of a more competitive final ten.