Semis tickets for Suns and Riders as Trophy heats up

The last two winners of the Betty Codona WBBL Trophy will meet in the Semi-Finals this season after winning their respective groups.

Defending champs Leicester Riders defeated Oaklands Wolves 95-83 behind 20 points and 10 assists from Brea Ellmore, while Sevenoaks Suns eased past BA London Lions in an 83-53 home success.

Manchester Mystics picked up their first win of the pool stage after overcoming Nottingham Wildcats 96-85 as Evelyn Ovner and Georgia Jones combined for 43 points.

Meanwhile, Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters moved to 2-0 as they defeated the Wildcats 73-83, despite 32 points from Chelsey Shumpert.

Newcastle Eagles overcame Durham Palatinates 72-68 in overtime for their first win in the Trophy pool stage, and at the Eagles Community Arena. Kalina Axentieva top scored with 19 points with Steph Gandy adding 18 to get their side up and running.

The Palatinates bounced back with an 81-71 success over Caledonia Pride with 21 points from Rudiane Eduardo putting her side top.

"I am so happy we got out first win at the Arena and against a team who had beaten us twice recently," said Axentieva. "It was exciting and especially hitting a three in overtime. We now have to work our backsides off to improve further."

Meanwhile, the Lions had claimed their first win on Saturday as Loren Christie posted 26 points in their 68-89 triumph on the road against Essex Rebels in South 1 alongside the Suns.

The other Semi-Final will be confirmed next week following the conclusion of the pool stages in the Trophy.