WNBL1 preview: 25/26 March 2023 - live streams, stats and more

We've reached the penultimate weekend of the regular season, with a few important matters still to settle.

Thames Valley took a big step towards sealing their maiden D1W league title last weekend, but they still need to finish their schedule with a win against Reading tomorrow then hope that Solent slip up.

The Kestrels are away to Worcester this weekend, then away to the Rockets next Sunday in their final game of the season.

Those top-of-the-table ties are part of seven fixtures this weekend, with Ipswich also able to complete the playoff field if they can grab a win on Sunday, or if London Lions II lose against Anglia Ruskin.

We take a look at all the weekend's action below, with links to live stats and live streams at the bottom of the page.

Reading Rockets (13-6) vs Thames Valley Cavaliers (18-3)

Thames Valley have the opportunity to heap the pressure on rivals Solent this weekend as they head to Reading for their final contest of the regular season.

A win for TVC tomorrow will mean the Kestrels have to win both of their remaining games to take the title. It's worth noting that Reading isn't an easy place to play this year, with the Rockets going 7-1 on their own court during the current campaign.

Both Solent and Thames Valley beat the Rockets on their own courts however, with the Cavs also claiming the WNBL National Cup final against the Berkshire outfit back in January.

Both of TVC's wins against Reading this season have been based on a foundation of slowing down standout guard Lindsey Cleary and dominating down low. The American had just 13 points in the February's meeting in Uxbridge, and six points in January's Cup final.

Both outputs are below Cleary's usual output of 16.1PPG this season, and if left unchecked, the talented guard can easily carry Reading to a win this weekend. After all, Cleary has won three of the last four D1W Player of the Week awards for a reason.

The battle on the glass will also be important. TVC forwards Helene Trailin and Team of the Week selection Chinwe Iwunze both present a match up problem for tomorrow's hosts, with Kat Goldsby (6.1RPG), Ezekiela Lisk (5.9RPG) and Faith Okwuosa (5.7RPG) all more than capable on the boards.

TVC won the rebound battle 59-36 in January's final and 42-19 during their league encounter, with a 34-7 disparity in second chance points across the two games.

In Reading are going to throw a spanner in TVC's title plans, winning the rebound battle and freeing up Lindsey Cleary to do what she does best are potential routes to success.

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Elsewhere this weekend

The weekend begins with Loughborough Riders (10-11) trying to secure a higher playoff spot. Currently in seventh but only two points behind Anglia Ruskin in fifth, they host a Bristol Academy Flyers (5-15) with nothing to play for now their D1W survival has been confirmed.

Anglia Ruskin University (11-8), like Loughborough, will also be scrapping over playoff seedings as they host Brent Bulls (10-8) who will be doing the same thing.

The day ends with Team Solent Kestrels' (17-3) heading to Worcester Wolves (4-17), who are now confirmed as finishing in the potential relegation spots. No doubt they'll still want to play hard against the potential league winners, even if it's just pride that's on the line.

Sunday begins with Reading in double-header action as they host Ipswich (9-11), who can guarantee a playoff spot with a win.

Ipswich can also be confirmed for the post-season if London Lions II (7-13) fail to beat Anglia Ruskin, who are also doubling up.

The weekend closes with an all-London affair as Brent travel to CoLA Southwark Pride (16-5), who are all but locked into the #3 spot ahead of their final game of the season.

This weekend's fixtures:

Saturday 25 March

3pm - Loughborough Riders vs Bristol Academy Flyers - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM

4pm - Anglia Ruskin University vs Brent Bulls - LIVE STATS

5pm - Reading Rockets vs Thames Valley Cavaliers - LIVE STATS

7pm - Worcester Wolves vs Team Solent Kestrels - LIVE STATS

Sunday 26 March

1:30pm - Reading Rockets vs Ipswich - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM

2pm - London Lions II vs Anglia Ruskin University - LIVE STATS

2:15pm - CoLA Southwark Pride vs Brent Bulls - LIVE STATS

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