Super League Basketball fans were treated to a five-game slate this weekend, featuring several exciting matchups.
Nottingham Wildcats 80-51 Cardiff Met Archers
The Nottingham Wildcats claimed their first win of the season with a dominant 80-51 victory over the Cardiff Met Archers at the Nottingham Wildcats Arena.
The Wildcats never trailed in the contest and built their victory on the back of a strong first-quarter display. Nonetheless, the Archers fought back in the second quarter, but a devastating 22-7 third quarter from Nottingham ended all hope of a comeback for Cardiff as the hosts then cruised to their first win of the season.
Johannah Langbehn led her side in scoring with a 20-point, nine-rebound outing, while Emma Nolan recorded a 15-point, 11-rebound and five-assist performance. Meanwhile, Kalaya Buggs produced an all-round display with 11 points, eight assists, seven steals and five rebounds in the win.
For Cardiff, Amelia Scharpf led her side with a 20-point, 10-rebound performance, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
Player of the game: Johannah Langbehn (Nottingham Wildcats)
Leicester Riders 42-81 Oaklands Wolves
The Oaklands Wolves claimed an emphatic 81-42 win over the Leicester Riders at the Netball Centre, increasing the gap over their opponents in the table.
The Wolves took control early in the opening quarter, but it was their dominant second-quarter display that sealed the victory as they held their opponents to just five points. They then comfortably controlled the second half to secure their fifth win of the season.
Leslia Finau led the way with a season-high 18 points and seven assists, shooting an efficient 8-of-11 from the field. Meanwhile, Danielle McCray recorded her second straight double-double with a 10-point, 11-rebound outing, while Shanice Beckford-Norton added 15 points in the strong collective win.
For the Riders, Katie Januszewska scored a team-high 14 points.
Player of the game: Leslia Finau (Oaklands Wolves)
B. Braun Sheffield Hatters 88-58 Newcastle Eagles
The B. Braun Sheffield Hatters made it three consecutive wins as they secured a comfortable 88-58 win against the Newcastle Eagles at the Canon Medical Arena.
A dominant first-half display saw the Hatters take a 28-point lead into the break as they seemingly cruised towards another convincing win. However, the Eagles stormed back in the third quarter, but their comeback hopes were short-lived as Sheffield held onto their lead to secure a comfortable home victory.
Megan Mullings recorded her fifth double-double of the season as she led the Hatters in scoring with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Nina Krisper registered 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists off the bench.
For the Eagles, Andrea Daley’s 22 points, eight rebounds and four steals outing wasn’t enough to end their three-game losing streak.
Player of the game: Nina Krisper (B. Braun Sheffield Hatters)
Caledonia Gladiators 85-72 London Lions
The Caledonia Gladiators secured a 85-72 home win against the London Lions at the Playsport Arena, claiming their seventh consecutive win.
The Gladiators took commanding lead in the opening quarter, but the Lions fought hard to stay in the game, cutting back from a 20-point deficit. Led by an outstanding Annika Shah (25 points), London opened the fourth quarter with a 13-0 run to make it a seven-point game. However, the Gladiators dug deep and held on to their lead to secure victory.
Anastasia Warren recorded a game-high 26 points to lead the Gladiators to victory. Meanwhile, Tierra Hodges added 18 points and eight rebounds, scoring crucial baskets down the stretch.
Jada Lewis scored 24 points for the Lions but it proved insufficient as they fell short against the Gladiators.
Player of the game: Anastasia Warren (Caledonia Gladiators)
Manchester Basketball 97-88 Essex Rebels
Manchester Basketball came out on top as they defeated the Essex Rebels 97-88 at the National Basketball Performance Centre, claiming their third win of the season.
The first half was a hard-fought back-and-forth as the two sides traded leads, with the Rebels edging ahead by just one point at the break. However, Manchester delivered a strong third quarter to take a commanding lead, in the fourth, they managed to hold on to secure an important victory that ended the Rebels’ five-game win streak.
Frannie Hottinger delivered an outstanding performance with 26 points and five rebound to lead her side to victory in a tightly contested game. Meanwhile, Tiarra East recorded 22 points and seven rebounds, while Maaja Bratka registered a 14-point, 11-rebound double double.
Nat Chou delivered an impressive performance, leading her side with a game-high 27 points, seven rebounds, six assists and five steals while playing all 40 minutes. Additionally, Maria Blazejewski (19 points, 11 rebounds) and Quinesha Lockett (22 points, 12 rebounds) each recorded a double-double.
Player of the game: Frannie Hottinger (Manchester Basketball)
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