Durham Palatinates 70-64 Manchester Giants
Durham Palatinates starting five: Janika Griffith-Wallace, Katie Bennett, Sophie Klassen, Elle Hendershot, Harriet Ottewill-Soulsby.
Manchester Giants starting five: Myah Pace, Brooklynn McAlear-Fanus, Idil Turk, Sydney Hunter, Hannah Shaw.
Durham Palatinates even out their record to 2-2 after a closely contested 70-64 victory over the Manchester Giants.
Janika Griffith-Wallace, one of three Palatinates players to finish with double-digit points, had 26 to get Durham back-to-back wins on the season.
Elle Hendershot contributed across the board for the victors, adding six points, 14 rebounds, and five assists, helping Durham post season-highs in rebounds (37) and assists (17).
Manchester battled to the end, as perennial interior players Hannah Shaw and Sydney Hunter combined for 32 points, while Leah McDerment contributed 11 important points from the bench.
Meanwhile, Brooklynn McAlear-Fanus and Myah Pace handled playmaking and defensive responsibilities, finishing with an impressive 22 assists and six steals combined, but fell short of a fierce Durham side.
In the opening quarter, the Palatinates surged ahead, displaying their offensive finesse. Janika Griffith-Wallace’s sharp shooting, making three-of-four attempts from beyond the arc, set the tone for the host team.
Harriet Ottewill-Soulsby’s commanding presence in the paint was undeniable, amassing eight early points with her crafty inside moves.
Katie Bennett’s clutch shot-clock-beating play highlighted a dominant stretch, with Durham posting seven unanswered points, establishing a 25-16 lead over the Giants.
The second quarter witnessed a spirited resurgence from the Giants, spearheaded by Hannah Shaw’s quick attacking contributions, launching a swift 6-0 run that narrowed the deficit.
Manchester’s defensive tenacity forced turnovers, enabling them to capitalise and trim the Palatinates’ lead to a mere three points.
Griffith-Wallace and Ottewill-Soulsby emerged as the leading scorers for the hosts, both players reaching double-digits with their impressive attacking displays.
However, Sydney Hunter’s impeccable free-throw shooting (6-for-6) and dominance near the basket kept the Giants within striking distance of taking the lead.
Despite Hunter’s efforts, Durham intensified their defensive pressure, generating seven points on consecutive steals.
At the half, Durham held a 41-36 lead, buoyed by Ottewill-Soulsby and Griffith-Wallace’s combined 23 points, while Elle Hendershot facilitated brilliantly with eight rebounds and four assists.
The resumption of play, Shaw had the hot hands, claiming all six of Manchester’s opening points.
Durham responded quickly, with Bennett and Griffith-Wallace stepping up, extending their lead back up to six.
The game remained a back-and-forth affair. McDerment’s third three-pointer kept the Giants inches from taking the lead at 54-51 by the end of the third.
The final quarter started with the Palatinates producing a quick 4-0 run as Bennett and Griffiths-Wallace mirrored their effortless scoring from the third quarter.
Manchester made use of free throws to stay in the game, but Griffith-Wallace’s clutch three-pointer pushed Durham to a 63-56 lead with just over four minutes left.
Pace continued to be the playmaker for the Giants, helping close the gap to five points with two minutes to spare.
Durham’s intense defence triggered a critical turnover for the Giants with 25 seconds remaining.
The Palatinates capitalised on the possession, and despite the Giants efforts to close in with free throws, Griffith-Wallace’s breakaway layup in the dying seconds sealed a 70-64 victory for Durham.
Palatinates will look to make it three wins in a row, their best streak since March 2022, when they face local rivals Newcastle Eagles on the road next week.
Meanwhile, Manchester Giants will look to even out their record when they host the Oaklands Wolves, the Giants having won their past two home fixtures.
Player of the Game
Janika Griffith-Wallace has logged 20+ points in all four of her appearances for Durham to start the season, finishing with 26 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals over the Giants today.
| Team | Name | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| Durham Palatinates | Janika Griffith-Wallace | 26 | 6 | 3 |
| Durham Palatinates | Harriet Ottewill-Soulsby | 17 | 5 | 2 |
| Manchester Giants | Sydney Hunter | 16 | 11 | 1 |
| Manchester Giants | Hannah Shaw | 16 | 1 | 0 |
Leicester Riders 83-75 Nottingham Wildcats
Leicester Riders starting five: Taylor O’Brien, Jessica Eadsforth-Yates, Rayven Peeples, Marissa Hamilton, Sam Ashby.
Nottingham Wildcats starting five: Valerie Cassidy De Falco, Abbey Whitehouse, Mari Stewart, Jessica Wayne, Brooke Bjelko.
Leicester Riders secured a vital 83-75 overtime thriller to down the Nottingham Wildcats.
All smiles as Leicester Riders advance to 4-0, sitting firmly atop the league table. The Riders prevailed, despite an aggressive push from the Wildcats to knock the undefeated hosts.
After being down at the half, Leicester mounted a significant comeback, led by Taylor O’Brien’s 22 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, to go along with four steals and three blocks, proving to be dominant on both ends of the floor.
Sam Ashby’s four triples from nine attempts were pivotal, while Eadsforth-Yates’ overtime contributions were special.
The Wildcats were quick out of the gate with a blistering 6-0 run over the league leaders, as Brooke Bjelko, Jessica Wayne, and Mari Stewart logged early baskets, finding rhythm early on.
Despite Nottingham’s efficient start, Leicester found their groove, narrowing the gap with Taylor O’Brien orchestrating four vital points through fast break possessions, finishing the first half with four steals and a pair of dimes.
However, the Wildcats were not to be outmatched, with Valerie Cassidy De Falco’s pinpoint full-court assist to Bjelko ensuring the Wildcats stayed ahead, closing the opening quarter, 16-19.
The second quarter saw a seesaw of momentum. Nottingham briefly seized the lead courtesy of O’Brien’s finesse shots, but Bjelko’s consistent scoring, combined with a remarkable 11-0 run by the Wildcats, pushed the visitors to a commanding double-digit advantage.
The statistics mirrored the intense gameplay, with the Riders converting 13 fast break points, while the Wildcats displayed greater effort inside, finishing the first half with 20 points inside the paint.
Entering halftime, Nottingham wielded a solid 28-39 lead, setting the stage for an intriguing second half as they looked to down the undefeated Leicester Riders.
A rollercoaster second half, loaded with momentum swings, clutch plays, and heart-stopping moments culminated in an intense overtime showdown.
Nottingham began the third quarter firing on all cylinders. Leavold and Stewart ignited the offence, swiftly notching six points for the visitors.
O’Brien, the continuing focal point for the Riders, countered with three consecutive field goals, amassing an impressive 15 points.
Bjelko’s double-digit scoring sustained Nottingham’s lead, but a determined Leicester closed the gap, narrowing the margin with a sudden 5-0 run.
Leicester staged a remarkable 17-0 run, marked by Januszewska’s scoring versatility and Shahd Abboud’s defensive prowess in the backcourt.
The Riders’ defensive dominance held Nottingham scoreless for six crucial minutes, overturning the game and snatching the lead, heading into the final quarter with a 51-47 advantage.
As the fourth quarter commenced, Nottingham showed resilience, breaking their scoring drought with Evison’s crucial three-pointer. However, Leicester’s determination shone through as they maintained a slim lead with a 7-2 run early in the closing quarter.
The Wildcats clawed back fiercely, narrowing the gap with impressive plays from Wayne and Abbey Whitehouse, who connected with deep-range shots. Wayne’s pivotal steals and consecutive triples brought Nottingham within reaching distance, trailing 65-64.
Both teams exchanged crucial buckets. O’Brien’s relentless drive cut and score extended the Riders’ lead to three points, 69-66.
In the closing seconds, Stewart’s massive three-pointer tied the game at 69 apiece, forcing the thrilling matchup into overtime.
Both teams came out firing in overtime. Eadsforth-Yates ignited the extra period with a crucial layup for the Riders, but Nottingham were able to counter, led by Wayne’s scoring burst that swung the lead back in the favour of the visitors.
The tension escalated as Leicester’s Ashby stepped up with two consecutive threes, widening the Riders’ lead and electrifying the Riders bench.
In a thrilling conclusion, the Riders emerged triumphant, securing an 83-75 victory.
Player of the Game:
Taylor O’Brien was undeniably the difference maker fuelling an amazing Riders comeback victory. O’Brien marked her third consecutive game posting at least 20 points, while boasting defensive stats of four steals and three blocks, earning her Player of the Game honours.
| Team | Name | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| Leicester Riders | Taylor O’Brien | 22 | 8 | 6 |
| Leicester Riders | Sam Ashby | 18 | 10 | 4 |
| Nottingham Wildcats | Jess Wayne | 22 | 5 | 5 |
| Nottingham Wildcats | Brooke Bjelko | 13 | 14 | 3 |
Oaklands Wolves 64-95 London Lions
Oaklands Wolves starting five: Caterrion Thompson, Jorjah Smith, Shaquera Wade, Amy West, Allison Day.
London Lions starting five: Ivana Katanic, Katsiaryna Snytsina, Holly Winterburn, Temi Fagbenle, Karlie Samuelson.
London Lions marked their third straight league victory with a dominant 64-95 away win over the Oaklands Wolves.
Lions looked to Savannah Wilkinson from the bench, who topped all scorers with 20 points to pair up nicely with 12 rebounds, her first double-double of the season.
Oaklands faired well, as Caterrion Thompson and Allison Day combined for 31 of their 64 points, while shooting an efficient 15-of-20 free-throws.
The game ignited from the get-go. Amy West’s commanding tip-off win paved the way for a swift layup by Caterrion Thompson, propelling the hosts to a temporary early lead.
London Lions opted for outside shots initially, with Ivana Katanic nailing a deep three on their first possession. Holly Winterburn and Temi Fagbenle swiftly added layups, pushing London ahead 4-9.
Thompson continued her scoring spree, leveling the score, before Winterburn and Fagbenle combined once more, extending the visitors’ lead to 8-15.
In a significant debut, Megan Gustafson, the former all-time leading scorer for the Iowa Hawkeyes, made an immediate impact for London with consecutive layups assisted by Katanic.
A late surge by Claire Abbott and West narrowed London’s lead to 15-24 by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter witnessed a back-and-forth exchange, with both teams trading runs. Allison Day and Miriam Carrasco-Menendez contributed crucial points for Oaklands, creating an engaging contest.
Thompson remained instrumental, accumulating 11 first-half points, while Savannah Wilkinson’s dominance inside the paint helped the Lions maintain a 34-46 advantage through to halftime.
The third quarter proved decisive as the Lions surged, outscoring the Wolves 14-28. Fagbenle continued her scoring prowess, hitting successive jumpers, setting the tone for London’s second half dominance.
Despite Oaklands’ spirited response early in the third, led by Shaquera Wade and Fabienne Zere, the Lions intensified their efforts. Winterburn’s six consecutive points extended the gap, with Oaklands relying on free throws to stay within reach.
A commanding 16-2 surge by the Lions further widened their lead to 48-74, firmly solidifying their control over the game.
The final quarter showcased the Lions’ depth, with Karlie Samuelson, fresh from a record-breaking debut, making an impact for the visitors. Her contributions, alongside Wilkinson’s stellar play, propelled the Lions to a formidable 95-64 lead.
Despite Oaklands’ commendable effort, mounting an eight-point streak in the late stages, the Lions sealed their third consecutive league win with a final 7-0 push, falling just shy of the 100-point mark but securing an impressive 95-64 victory.
Player of the Game:
Finishing with 20 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and a block, operating from the bench, Savannah Wilkinson earns Player of the Game. Posting season-highs in points and rebounds, Wilkinson serves as one of many valuable commodities in London’s arsenal.
| Team | Name | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| Oaklands Wolves | Caterrion Thompson | 19 | 5 | 2 |
| Oaklands Wolves | Allison Day | 12 | 5 | 0 |
| London Lions | Savannah Wilkinson | 20 | 12 | 1 |
| London Lions | Holly Winterburn | 12 | 1 | 1 |
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