Loughborough Riders vs Essex Leopards
Saturday 20 October 2018 - 2.00pm
Loughborough head into this matchup after a tough overtime last weekend at the hands of current league-leaders Bradford Dragons. The scoring dried up down the stretch, as Coach Mark Jarram's side allowed the Dragons to chip away at their lead, before carrying their momentum into a successful overtime period. Giannis Panaretakis was impressive in the loss as he led the Riders charge with 19 points, while Hosana Kitenge will also look to repeat his form as he added 17 on the night.
Meanwhile, Essex Leopards are still looking their first win back in the top flight, after early losses to Barking and Nottingham have derailed the start to their season. A close game until late on against the Hoods should give Coach Thomas Baker's squad some confidence heading into this one, but a road trip to the reigning league champions is hardly an easy task. The Big Cats have seen a good presence inside so far from Lee Hodges, as the former Hemel big man had 20 points last weekend.
Leicester Warriors vs Worthing Thunder 
Saturday 20 October 2018 - 3.00pm
A weekend away from league action should have done the Leicester Warriors some good, heading into this tough matchup with fresh legs. The East Midlands side did see National Cup action on Sunday, as they went on the road to London Greenhouse Pioneers and grabbed a narrow victory to progress. Jamal Lewis led his side on that occasion with 18 points, while Brian Orr kept up his impressive early season form with 16.
Their opponents in this one are the surging Worthing Thunder, who really could not have had a more impressive start to the season - picking up a crucial win last weekend against the stern test of the Reading Rockets. With the Thunder recently having announced the departure of Nick Lewis and the return of Jorge Ebanks, player-coach Josh Goddard will have a new piece to mix into his already dynamic back-court of Zaire Taylor and Alex Owumi, both of whom chipped in 22 points last outing.
Bradford Dragons vs Manchester Magic
Saturday 20 October 2018 - 6.15pm
Bradford Dragons have really shown that they are not to be taken lightly in the early season, as they romped into the knockout stages of the National Trophy and currently sit at the top of the NBL Division One league table. The Dragons improved to 2-0 last weekend as their late rally earned them a clutch victory in overtime against the Riders, as Coach Chris Mellor's side showed their multiple offensive options. The solid core of Rihards Sulcs, Ricky Fetske, Drexler Clark and Andreas Lycoudis is an offensive juggernaut that will sure to keep opposing coaches picking their poison throughout this campaign.
Another side that saw a week away from league action last weekend was the Manchester Magic, whose restful Saturday saw them head on the road to Derbyshire Arrows and pick up a convincing win to progress in the National Cup. Richard Bell paced the North West side on that occasion with 21 points, as Coach Aurimas Verbukas' side set up a mouth-watering matchup against Reading in the next round. A previous loss to the Dragons in the National Trophy will have Coach Verbukas' side chomping at the bit to give a better account of themselves in this one, as his young team continues to gel.
Team Newcastle vs Derby Trailblazers 
Saturday 20 October 2018 - 7.00pm
This matchup on Saturday night sees two more teams lock horns that are returning to league play after their cup exploits last weekend. Team Newcastle sit at 0-1 in the NBL Division One table, so will be keen to grab their first win in front of their home fans. The North East outfit successfully progressed in the National Cup last weekend, as they went on the road to Myerscough College and grabbed a narrow victory, relying on the efforts of David Hanson and Onyekachi Nzerem who combined for 52 points.
On the other hand, Derby Trailblazers weren't so lucky in their cup matchup, as they also travelled to the North West for their tie. A road game against Liverpool did not go as planned for Coach Matt Shaw's squad, as the Blazers became the first NBL Division One side to exit the knockout competition as David Ulph has his way for the Merseyside side squad, dropping 29 points. Malcolm Smith again showed off his expertise on the offensive end, as he paced Derby with 32 in the loss.
Coach Shaw said ahead of the game, "It’s always tough against Newcastle. We lost to them twice last season, so we certainly won't be taking them lightly. They’ve recruited some nice new additions to their roster and we’ve identified a few guys who we need to focus on if we’re to come away with a win."
Team Solent Kestrels vs Nottingham McDonald's Hoods 
Saturday 20 October 2018 - 7.00pm
The final game on Saturday evening sees Team Solent Kestrels put their undefeated record on the line, as they host the Nottingham McDonald's Hoods. Spurred to victory by NBL Player of the Week Elliot Dadds, who had 26 points on the night, the Kestrels left it late but were able to pull away from a young Barking side to improve to 2-0. Coach Matt Guymon will be hoping for more of the same this weekend, with the Hoods coming off an impressive win of their own.
Nottingham were on the road last weekend, and picked up a solid win over Essex Leopards. Travelling without vital veteran David Watts, Coach Ryan Westley's side called upon performances from Delaney Powell and Cole Welle to steer them to the victory. Sitting at 1-1 and heading into a tough matchup, the Division One new boys could really make a name for themselves with a result in this one, jumping right up to the business end of the league table.
Reading Rockets vs Hemel Storm 
Sunday 21 October 2018 - 5.00pm
The National Trophy continues this weekend with a single matchup, as Reading host Hemel in a crucial tie that is pivotal in deciding who progresses from Pool C. The hosts in this one are coming off a difficult loss to Worthing, as the Rockets led by double digits as late as midway through the third, before Coach Alan Keane's squad become the Thunder's latest victims. Trae Pemberton has shown thus far that he is a force to be reckoned with, as the Rockets' import paced his side with 21 points last week, while Reading veteran Danny Carter continues to produce when Coach Keane calls his number.
Hemel Storm enter this game coming off their own disappointing loss in the league last week, as Coach Robert Youngblood's side dropped a game to NBL Division One newcomers Thames Valley Cavaliers. Bode Adeluola and Blayne Freckleton continue to keep the scoreboard ticking over from the back-court for Coach Youngblood, as they combined for 39 points against the Cavs. Bouncing back from their league woes on Saturday, Storm were able to successfully progress in the National Cup, as they began their title defence in style with a routine victory over Ipswich.
Barking Abbey vs Anglia Ruskin University 
Saturday 20 October 2018 - 2.00pm
An early 1-2 record for Barking Abbey in WNBL Division One could be a very different story, as the East London side have thus far been a part of multiple close games that could have gone either way. Last week's contest was no different, as Barking went on the road to Sevenoaks and sparked a late run that just wasn't enough as they lost by single digits. Jolicia Cadogan has been a solid producer for Barking in the early season, as she paced her side with 17 points last week.
The first action of the season for Anglia Ruskin last weekend saw them begin their season as they finished last campaign; a winning start against Reading Rockets did just the trick for the Cambridge-based side. A returning core of WNBL Division One Playoff champions is certainly an intimidating foe, as Katrin Hulme, Jazmin Gyulai and Nadege Talva all got their season's off to a good start by scoring in double figures last weekend.
Southwark Pride vs Reading Rockets
Saturday 20 October 2018 - 2.15pm
A week off for Southwark Pride means that Coach Jackson Gibbons' squad heads into this game fresh for the challenge of a tough Reading outfit. A mixed start to the season, with a 1-1 record, has seen the Pride face two close games thus far; a tie against Birmingham narrowly going their way, before the Riders were able to steal one on Southwark's home floor. A collection of young British talent should serve Coach Gibbons well throughout this campaign, but early on they have heavily relied upon Maya Hyacienth to create from the back-court, so look for the Rockets to key in on that matchup.
The road team in this one is coming off a loss to Anglia Ruskin, in a game they competed well in but threw away with a poor second quarter performance. The Spanish flair of the Rockets has again been on show in the early season, as Monica Herranz De Antonio had an impressive outing last weekend, pouring in 25 points. The young John Madejski Academy products will also be looked upon to produce again, with Carmen Segura Moreno and Paula Romero Tarrega being the stand-outs so far.
Bristol Academy Flyers vs Team Birmingham Elite 
Saturday 20 October 2018 - 2.15pm
Bristol head into this matchup high on confidence as they ended Ipswich's historic unbeaten run that had spanned two seasons since their return to the WNBL. The South West side have had an impressive start to the season, with their only blemish being a narrow loss on the road at the hands of Barking Abbey. A slightly new look squad for Coach Gareth Till has a mix of veterans and new faces, with Cristina Bigica being a crucial contributor early on, alongside familiar faces in Flyers' colours; Fiona Fox and Liisa Juul.
Meanwhile, Team Birmingham Elite travel down to the South West for this one after a tough loss at the hands of Team Solent Kestrels on their home floor. A highly impressive 31 point outing for Rebecca Brindley wasn't enough for Birmingham to take the spoils, as they fell to 1-2 on the season. Coach Robin Hall's side will be looking for get back to the free-flowing style of play that saw his Elite team easily handle the developing Oxford Brookes University side a fortnight ago.
Team Solent Kestrels vs Loughborough Riders
Saturday 20 October 2018 - 3.00pm
A Player of the Week worth performance from Geena Gomez was enough to see the Kestrels past Team Birmingham Elite at The Factory last weekend, so Coach CJ Lee will be hoping for more of the same from his star guard. An early second-place position for the Kestrels has them back at the end of the table where they will wish to reside, after a down year last campaign. Alongside Gomez, Coach Lee has also been able to look to Earleesha Jackson for crucial production in the early season, a presence that they will need in this one.
As one of only two undefeated sides left in WNBL Division One, the Loughborough Riders will be buoyed by their early successes. Two polar opposite games ending in the same result has seen the Riders go on the road and grab a narrow one at Southwark, before a comfortable victory over Oxford on their home floor. Putting their undefeated record on the line with a trip to Southampton is not an easy task for Coach Krumesh Patel's side, but behind the guard play of Holly Davies and Holly Wright, the young Riders have looked very impressive so far.
Sevenoaks Suns II vs Ipswich 
Saturday 20 October 2018 - 5.30pm
A battle of the two newcomers to WNBL Division One will take place on Saturday evening, as the Suns welcome Ipswich, with both teams coming off successful campaigns in WNBL Division Two. Sevenoaks head into this one off the back of a narrow win over Barking Abbey, as Coach James Hussein's side held off a late run from the Londoners to take the spoils for their first victory of the season. As a factory of young British talent, it seems fitting that Sevenoaks have been relying on the exploits of two Great Britain junior internationals thus far, as Katie Bennett and Olivia Partridge continue to put in excellent performances.
The visitors in this one head into the matchup on a winning streak of a single game, after the addendum to their historic season last campaign has come to an end at the hands of the Flyers. Danielle Cazey and Harriet Welham scored well in the loss, but unfortunately the fairytale run of wins had to come to an end eventually. Coach Nick Drane's side would bounce back on Sunday and return to winning ways, as they began their National Cup title defence with a win up in Lancashire against Myerscough College.
Reading Rockets vs Oxford Brookes University 
Sunday 21 October 2018 - 2.30pm
The lone Sunday fixture in WNBL Division One sees Reading complete the second half of a back-to-back, returning home from Southwark and hitting the floor once again. The result of the game away in the capital could very well linger in this one, as the Berkshire side welcome Oxford Brookes.
Since their reconfiguration as more of a student-led programme, Oxford Brookes University have had a tough old start to life in WNBL Division One this year. Coach Zach Meekings' side will continue to strive to development and growth, as their key pieces grow in confidence. With Marta Artiles Perez, Alba Maria Cedillo, Hannah Todd and Teresa O'Connor all having had good showings so far in the early season, it may just be a case of putting all the pieces together in one outing for Coach Meekings' squad to pick up their first victory.
London Westside vs London United 
Saturday 20 October 2018 - 2.00pm
A single week into the NBL Division Two season for most, it is hard to begin to predict the matchups that we see this coming weekend. With more and more coming into focus as each week passes, it is sure to be an exciting campaign. In this first matchup of the weekend, a cross-capital derby will take place as Westside host United. London Westside are coming off a rough start to their campaign, with a league season opener loss at the hands of Liverpool. A tough road trip up to Merseyside did not go the Londoners way, as David Ulph had his way with an NBL Player of the Week performance. Tyrell Isaacs had a solid season debut for Westside with 23 points, while Zaid Amini also produced well with 14 off the bench.
Meanwhile, the visitors in this one have had a week away from league action, having begun their regular season campaign two weeks ago with a win over East London All Stars. With Modestas Krasauskas having already picked up an NBL Player of the Week award in NBL Division One, and United also having Daniel Szatkowski to turn to as a scorer; watch for London United to become a real force to be reckoned with as this year progresses.
Greenwich Titans vs Derbyshire Arrows 
Saturday 20 October 2018 - 3.00pm
Newcomers to NBL Division Two, Greenwich Titans got their campaign off to the best of starts last weekend, with a clutch narrow win over Westminster Warriors. A two-point win over the reigning Patrons Cup champions is as good a start as they could have hoped for, as Ray Akpofure led the way on the day. 23 points from Akpofure was backed up by 21 points from Jake Murphy, as Greenwich opened up their campaign showing that they belong in this league.
The visitors in this one are coming off the back of a brutal weekend that saw them host a back-to-back and go 0-2 in league and cup action. Saturday afternoon saw East London All Stars make the trip up to Derbyshire, as the guys from the capital had their way with the home side. Joseph Baugh had 31 in the loss for the Arrows, as their star forward didn't get a lot of assistance. Sunday saw a chance for a bounce back game as the Manchester Magic were in town for National Cup action. The Arrows again couldn't get the game to go their way, as the North West side were able to take a relatively routine win as Baugh was limited to just seven points.
Sussex Bears vs Liverpool 
Saturday 20 October 2018 - 5.00pm
Sussex picked up a win in their league season opener in a tricky matchup, going on the road to Ipswich who had thus far been impressive in Patrons Cup play. The Bears' were led by new signing Cordaris Townes who stuffed the stat-sheet with 32 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and seven blocks, while James Felstead chipped in 18. Coach Gary Smith will need his big guns to be on form in this one, with a very challenging foe making the trip down to the south coast.
The visitors in this one are Liverpool, whose exploits so far this season have been very impressive. Progressing in the Patrons Cup with a win over Myerscough, comfortably winning their first league game against Westside, then taking down Division One Derby Trailblazers in the cup - a good resume thus far for Coach Delme Herriman's squad. David Ulph has continued his stellar play from a season ago, while new signings for this year Kehinde Ogunneye and Reiss Haggith have also given vital contributions to the Merseyside outfit's early success.
London Greenhouse Pioneers vs Myerscough College 
Sunday 21 October 2018 - 1.30pm
Moving on to Sunday's action in NBL Division Two, Myerscough College make the long trip down from Lancashire to the capital (one of many!) as they face London Greenhouse Pioneers. With both teams yet to see the floor in regular season action, this will be an exciting league season opener for both sides. The Pioneers have had a good start to the season, picking up a win against Sussex in the Patrons Cup, behind an NBL Player of the Week performance from Francesco Rinaldi.
Myerscough College on the other hand have seen a difficult start to life at this level, defeated in the Patrons Cup by Liverpool before being knocked out of the National Cup at the hands of Team Newcastle. A young team under the helm of Neal Hopkins is sure to be competitive, so it will be interesting to see how they get on in this one as their regular season commences.
East London All Stars vs Ipswich
Sunday 21 October 2018 - 1.30pm
The East London All Stars pulled off an impressive win as they began life in NBL Division Two on the right track. A dominant performance earned them the spoils over Derbyshire Arrows, as Mohamoud Mohamed came off the bench for an efficient 26 point outing, while the dynamic back-court of Jonathan James and Aaron Badibo have also had strong starts to this campaign.
A solid Patrons Cup group stage performance from Ipswich saw them progress to the knockout stages, but they couldn't continue this good form as they lost their league season opener last weekend at the hands of Sussex Bears. The Suffolk-based side struggle to contain Cordaris Townes, as Sussex took the game by double digits. With young talent galore at Ipswich's disposal, look for them to continue to grow as this season progresses, behind the exploits of Veron Eze, Ethan Price and Ben Winter, among others. Veteran presence Colin Dockrell has been steady for Ipswich so far, as the captain has led by example on more than one occasion.
