Palatinates edge nail-biter to lead weekend takeaways

The race for the Play-Offs is already heating up with teams outside of the top eight picking up big wins over the weekend.

Durham Palatinates held on for an important 75-74 success over Essex Rebels as they denied the visitors their first road win. Harriet Ottewill-Soulsby top scored with 23 points and added nine boards to lead Durham to within a win of the Play-Off places.

It was a competitive game, with both teams hustling throughout," she declared.

"With everyone on the team contributing offensively as well as good defensive effort, we were able to come up with the win."

Sevenoaks Suns maintained their perfect record this season with a crucial 58-77 success against close rivals, Leicester Riders to claim the head-to-head. Janice Monakana led the way with 21 points, while Ta'Yani Clark posted 12 points, 16 rebounds and four assists.

Rising junior star Tia Freeman had a big game for Oaklands Wolves with 24 points in an 89-73 victory over Nottingham Wildcats. The home side claimed their third league win to close the gap on teams above them with the battle for the Play-Offs already heating up.

BA London Lions picked up another win to continue their momentum as they jumped above Caledonia Pride with a 58-61 triumph on the road. Kristie Velasquez posted 17 points and seven assists to make it three on the bounce.

Meanwhile, Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters are the third team on 10 wins at the top having eased past Newcastle Eagles 109-85 with three players netting 20+ points.

Manchester Mystics are in fourth at 8-4 as they defeated Cardiff Met Archers 95-63 behind a huge 28 points from Sam Roscoe.