Play-Off Final Predictions: The Players

We caught up with WBBL players Robyn Lewis and Savannah Wilkinson to get their thoughts on the season climax at The 02 as Nottingham Wildcats and Sevenoaks Suns clash in the 2017 WBBL Play-Off Final.

Robyn Lewis (Caledonia Pride)

“This match-up should be tight, since both these teams have gained momentum going into the Play-Offs with two narrow wins in the Semi-Finals.

“Sevenoaks are stacked with scorers and if they shoot well from behind the three-point line, they will be hard to stop! We learned that the hard way in the latter part of the season.

“However, they will have to find ways to contain Nottingham’s size and to win the number of rebound they will need. Ashley Harris is an obvious threat, but Siobhan Prior, Melisa Mendes and their mid-season signing Joana Ferreira give the Wildcats a lot of firepower.

“If I had to call it I think Sevenoaks have a slight edge having already won on the big stage in this years WBBL Trophy Final. However, it could really go either way and I wish the best of luck to both teams!”

You can follow Robyn @batmansbestpal

Savannah Wilkinson(Barking Abbey Crusaders)

“This year has been such a tough season, with so much competition and no easily won games. Nottingham and Sevenoaks are two extremely tough teams that are both so hard to beat. This Final will definitely be one to watch in terms of having the league winners against the Trophy winners, so it is going to be an intense battle.

“In my opinion, every year Nottingham have been a great team in the WBBL, with amazing players such as Siobhan Prior and Ashley Harris – plus they are a well-coached side with Dave Greenaway. However, they are going to meet another extremely well coached team with Len Busch and the powerhouses of Catt Carr, Gabby Nikitinaite and Anne Pedersen.

“Honsestly? I am struggling to make a prediction. Having played both sides, I found that when playing Nottingham, we struggled to kill their momentum when they went on runs, so it is crucial to understand that they are a great team and will score – a lot!.

“But with Sevenoaks, they just never give up and deliver huge plays in the tricky moments and that’s what gets them big wins. I know you’d all like me to make a prediction, but honestly it is so tough.

“I respect and admire both teams, but if I had to choose, then I’d predict Sevenoaks for the win since I always love an underdog story.”

You can follow Savannah @savwilkinson (and good luck from all at WBBL on your pending Stateside adventure in the NCAA!)

The 2017 British Basketball Play-Off Finals are being shown live worldwide on BBC Sport via the website, app and on connected TV. The WBBL Final (1pm) and BBL Final (4pm) are also being made available via the red button for UK viewers.