Leicester gallop through to WBBL Cup Semis

WBBL Cup

Nottingham Wildcats 53-80 Leicester Riders (14-17, 30-42, 43,56)

(Wildcats: Nicholas, 13; Shaw, 10; Gyles, 8 – Riders: Arlen, 22; Robb/Squires, 13; Johnston, 10)

Following an energetic WBBL Cup Saturday, the anticipation continued with Nottingham Wildcats playing host to Leicester Riders, as both sides inch closer to the Cup Final.

Taking care of Oakland Wolves comfortably in the first round, Kenrick Liburd‘s Nottingham side were poised to extend their Cup Final hopes.

With an attacking threat as prolific as Kennedy Nicholas, who currently averages 15.5 points and 13 rebounds per game in the WBBL Championship, it was clear from the start that the Riders’ defence would be tested considerably.

Yet, Leicester’s impressive 9.3 made three-pointers per contest also stood out as a means of cutting-short Nottingham’s cup run, with Ashley Arlen‘s excellent recent run of form hoping to pay off for a determined Riders team.

First quarter action got off to an exciting start, as a high-tempo Nottingham offence was halted by an emphatic Kirsty Brown block. A pair of scores from Arlen closely followed – including a crafty hesitation dribble layup – giving the Riders an early advantage.

Keeping the Wildcats afloat, Nicholas worked tirelessly in the low block, completing a difficult scooping layup under the rim, while also knocking down a clean baseline jump shot.

A hotly contested first quarter, which saw both teams visiting the free-throw line frequently, placed Leicester marginally ahead.

Second quarter action showcased yet more competitive play. For Nottingham, forward Jocie Leavold executed a wonderful spin move through the Riders defence, completing a flashy layup and drawing the foul in the process. On the other end of the court, Jahnae Gyles was on hand to help stifle the Riders attack.

Capping off the first half, none other than Leicester sharpshooter Oliana Squires stepped up to sink a buzzer-beater three-point shot, extending the visitors’ lead into double figures.

Three consecutive layup conversions and step-back jump shot, courtesy of Kayla Shaw, got the trailing hosts off to a blazing start.

Leicester’s Hannah Robb was able to get a spree of points to her name, finishing with 10 entering the last quarter. Meanwhile, Arlen and Squires continued to draw up points for Leicester, making up half of Riders’ total points as they entered the final quarter up by thirteen.

With four different Riders players on the scoresheet in the opening minutes to the last quarter, the Leicester side were able to extend their lead to 27, the biggest of the game, highlighted by a confident Robb three-pointer.

A big win for the Riders sees them through to the next instalment of the WBBL Cup, while the Wildcats will have to bow out, despite an energetic performance from both teams.

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