The Wrap

Five teams picked up league victories at the weekend in the last action in the WBBL before the international break.

Team Northumbria fought hard to record an impressive 70-68 overtime victory against Nottingham Wildcats.

The home side battled back from 10 down to take the lead before Siobhan Prior forced the extra period, but Northumbria were able to pull out the win.

Alison Gorrell starred with a 27-point haul along with 10 rebounds, while GB’s Chantelle Handy netted a further 20 points.

 

“It felt really good to get a win, especially after losing some close games like Sevenoaks in overtime, earlier in the season,” reflected Northumbria guard, Flo Ward.

“I think it shows how we are moving forward as a team and learning how to respond when we get in situations like that.

“It has given us a lot of confidence as we executed our game plan effectively and came together as a group when it got tough.

“It has been an up and down start but I believe we are moving in the right direction and as we are a new team who are new to playing with each other, I think the more we play together and are in situations like this, the more we are going to grow as a team.”

Meanwhile, Sevenoaks Suns joined Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters on a 6-0 start as they overcame Cardiff Met Archers – who were paced by Eilidh Simpson’s 17 points – for a 55-61 road success.

Caledonia Pride recorded their second league win of the season as they overturned a half-time deficit to deny Durham Palatinates with a team-high 15 points for Tricia Oakes in the 58-65 victory.

 

There was a return to winning ways for Leicester Riders as they pulled away in the second half to a 54-76 win at Oaklands Wolves with Jamila Thompson putting up 17 points and 11 rebounds.

 

Manchester Mystics were given a stern test by BA London Lions before prevailing 54-39 in a low-scoring affair. Georgia Jones had 13 points and six assists, while Dominique Allen grabbed 16 rebounds to go with nine points.