Nottingham Wildcats produced a comeback victory when they came from behind to defeat hosts Oaklands Wolves, 77-84.
The home side managed to take a nine-point lead into half-time against the visitors, thanks to key performances from the likes of Beth Sarson (20 points), coach/captain Lauren Milligan (16 points), and Greta Uprus (11 points, nine rebounds). But as the third quarter opened, Nottingham produced an incredible 16-0 run which brought them right back into the game and then the battle was really on.
Oaklands again managed to restore their lead by the end of the third, but it was significantly lower than their half-time lead, with just three points separating the two sides. The two sides would trade single-digit leads throughout the fourth and as the game entered the final minute and 30 seconds, both teams’ defence was on form, preventing both sides from adding points for well over a minute. With 28 seconds left on the clock, Oaklands’ Menendez laid in a two-pointer to put Oaklands just three points behind the visitors.
The Oaklands defence piled on the pressure as Nottingham took possession, but after picking up two fouls, Nottingham managed to convert all four free throws and give themselves a big enough lead to hold off the fighting spirit of the home side.
Nottingham’s Praise Egharevba (21 points, 20 rebounds), Imani WhittingtonImani Whittington (13 points, 11 rebounds) and Brooklyn Pannell (14 points and 11 rebounds) all collected double-doubles also.
WBBL Championship
Oaklands Wolves 77-84 Nottingham Wildcats (11-13, 46-37, 67-64)
(Wolves – Sarson 20, Milligan 16, Menendez 14; Wildcats – Egharevba 21, Gyles 16, Pannell 14)