WNBL Round Up - Week 9 - Hoopsfix.com

WNBL Round Up – Week 9

This weekend provided some exciting results from the WNBL. A nail-biting two point win over team Northumbria gave Manchester Mystics their second win of the season, whilst Nottingham Wildcats bounced back from a 2 game losing streak to take down the previously unbeaten Cardiff Archers. Barking Abbey recorded their second league win over Sevenoaks after their first game was forfeited by the Suns.

Manchester Mystics sent a message of intent to their visitors in the first half following some tough losses over the past few weeks.

The home side took a 4 point lead going into the second, and continued to dominate the game dropping 21 points in the second quarter giving them a 12 point lead at half time. The Mystics were unable to hold their nerves in the third quarter, giving Northumbria the opportunity to claw their way back into the game. Manchester scored just 8 points in the third quarter, allowing Northumbria to reduce the deficit to 8 points going into the fourth quarter.

Northumbria took advantage of Mystics shaky start to the fourth and tied the scores with just 4 minutes remaining. Mystics point guard Jade Lucas hit two massive 3 pointers in the final minutes, however Northumbria were hot to respond with points from Rachael Bland and free throws from Voynova.

With two points separating the teams, Spotwood converted two free throws to tie the game once again. A basket from Amy Browne and a key rebound from Kalela Blake was enough to hold off Northumbria.

Manchester coach Rob Fairley was happy was his team’s performance:

“We had a good first half that gave us a small cushion. It was needed, as a shaky second half made the game very tense. Hopefully we can build on this for our trip next week to Barking, which will be a huge test for us”.

Browne led all scorers with 18 points, while Lucas had 13. Kalela Blake added 10 points and 20 rebounds in Mystics second win of the season. Voynova dropped 13 from Team Northumbria, followed by Bland (12) and Hulme and Spotwood who both scored 11.

Nottingham travelled to Cardiff where some of the league’s top scorers put on big performances in a high scoring contest. The two sides put up big numbers in the first quarter, where the home side took a narrow 4 point lead. Nottingham responded and with every possession counting there was little room for error and the Archers held a slim 1 point lead at half time.

Another 20 plus point quarter from both sides made for an exciting quarter with the Wildcats managing to gain a three point lead going into the fourth.

The Wildcats managed to hold off the Archers and despite another close quarter held their composure to end the Archers 6 game winning streak. Ritchie top scored with 30 points for the Wildcats, followed by Prior (19) and Baranowski (14)

Barking Abbey came out on top in their bottom of the table clash with Sevenoaks Suns winning 67-49. Barking took an early 10 point lead but was unable to build on the lead as the Suns dropped 5 unanswered baskets to pull the deficit to just 5 going into the second half. The third quarter became increasingly competitive, however Barking kept control of the game and gave a big defensive effort in the fourth to take an 18 point win.

“I’m pleased we keep improving,” said Head Coach Mark Clark after the game. “We need to be consistent through our games. Our shot selection and efficiency were better. Our production from the 3 spot is a key for us and today it was better.”

Mary Durojaye led the home side with 14, followed by 11 from Walton and 10 from McDerment. Park scored 20 of Sevenoaks 49 points.

Week 10 Preview

Nottingham Wildcats will be confident after their win at Cardiff when they are hosts to Sevenoaks Suns this weekend. Loughborough Riders and Sheffield Hatters look forward to double header weekends. Loughborough take on Cardiff on Saturday, whilst the Hatters host Team Northumbria who will be aiming to show improvements after their loss at Manchester.

Loughborough and the Hatters will then play each other in what is sure to be an exciting contest, as both teams currently stand at 5-1 in the league table. Barking Abbey play Manchester Mystics where both teams will be looking to win their second consecutive league game.

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