It’s been a long wait, but Cardiff Met Archers can finally celebrate picking up their first WBBL Championship triumph of the season after sliding past fellow strugglers BA London Lions 75-64.
A nice 18 points from Cristina Bigica, an all-action 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists from Robyn Lewis, plus a nice 13 point, 6 rebounds and 4 assists from debutante Mara Marchizotti were pivotal in attaining the landmark victory.
Leicester Riders bounced back from a disappointing loss 24 hours earlier in Manchester by taking a hard-fought 74-68 win at home to FLT Peterman Sheffield Hatters. An electric 30 points, 7 boards, 3 assists and 3 steals from Brea Elmore was the driving force behind the success, with Asha Thomas unfortunate to be on the losing side after also scoring 30 points in defeat.
The last match-up of the weekend witnessed Essex Rebels double their tally of league wins for the season after coasting past Caledonia Pride 74-51 on the road. Chelsea Small was superb and finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Sian Philips impressed for Pride with 12 points and 16 boards.
WBBL Championship (All Games)
Cardiff Met Archers 75-64 BA London Lions (16-15, 38-28,57-43)
(Archers – Bigica 18, Jorgensen 14, Lewis 13, Marchizotti 13; Lions – Da Silva 15, Johnson 12, Ivanova 11)
Leicester Riders 74-68 FLT Peterman Sheffield Hatters (24-18, 38-35, 54-52)
(Riders – Elmore 30, Hinriksdottir 19, Ashton 9; Hatters – Thomas 30, Livulo 15, Pressley 8)C
Caledonia Pride 51-74 Essex Rebels (12-15, 19-37, 35-48)
(Pride – Fouraki 17, Philips 12, Doherty 7, Storie 7; Rebels – Small 20, Ward 18, Sadler 12)