WNBL1 Recap: Week 7 (28/29 November 2020) - live streams, stats and more

Four WNBL games took place this weekend, including a double-header for Nottingham Trent University and a top-of-the-table clash between Worcester and Ipswich.

It was the Suffolk side who took the spoils against the Wolves, whilst NTU split their weekend's work with a win and a loss. 

There was also a valuable victory for Loughborough as they moved to 2-2, ensuring Thames Valley wouldn't start their 2020/21 campaign with a W.

We have a recap of the games below, and each result is also clickable if you wish to view the live stats.

Ipswich stay perfect

Worcester Wolves (3-1) 63-75 Ipswich (5-0)

Ipswich's young roster continued their faultless start to the 2020/21 season as they saw off previously undefeated Worcester 75-63.

Despite falling behind for most of the first two quarters, Ipswich came roaring back with a 10-0 streak to end the half, winning the second frame 23-13 and establishing a 34-27 lead at the main change.

Harriet Welham (22pts, 7rbs, 4ast) logged another quality start, with Danni Cazey (16pts, 2rbs) and Ella Pearson (15pts, 3rbs) both providing solid support. That allowed coach Drane's team to maintain their momentum and stretch the advantage towards the 20-point mark midway through the final period.

Contributions from Inma Bautista (16pts, 6rbs) and Shanice Turner (13pts, 11rbs) helped get Worcester's deficit close to single digits, but ultimately Ipswich would wrap up a statement win on the road against their nearest current challenger.

Loughborough see off TVC

Loughborough Riders (2-2) 72-53 Thames Valley Cavaliers (0-1)

Loughborough moved back to .500 on the season as they beat Thames Valley 72-53 on Saturday.

Former D1W Player of the Week Makana Stone put together another quality performance for the Riders with a commanding, 12-point, 14-rebound double-double as Robyn Ainge enjoyed a team-high 21 points.

Leading 47-15 at the half thanks to a one-sided 30-9 second quarter, Loughborough's lead did pass 30 in the second half before they eased to the final buzzer, allowing the visitors the opportunity to close the gap somewhat.

Thames Valley were paced by Katherine Goldsby, the only TVC scores to reach double digits. She had 21 points.

NTU start their weekend with a win

Nottingham Trent University (3-2) 71-66 Reading Rockets (1-3)

Leading off their double-header weekend, much fancied Nottingham Trent University grabbed a solid 71-66 win against Reading.

With only a single loss against Ipswich to their name heading into this one, NTU are a form team in the division and translated that momentum into a slim 31-28 lead by half-time.

After the initial exchanges of the third period, it was the hosts who would break the game open, going on a 12-0 run to establish a double-digit lead that they'd hold on to the rest of the way.

Mady Burdett was the pick of the scorers for the hosts, enjoying a team-high 20 points to go with a trio of rebounds and assists.

Former Team of the Week selection Sitota Gines Espinosa put on another fine display as she scored 22 points to go with six rebounds and eight steals for Reading, but it wouldn't be enough to get the Rockets over the line.

Solent's successful Sunday

Team Solent Kestrels (3-2) 75-66 Nottingham Trent University (3-2)

Nottingham couldn't make it two from two this weekend as they fell to a 75-66 defeat on the South coast against Solent.

Led by MVP contender Krisztina Velkey, the Kestrels' guard once again excelled as she notched up a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double, adding seven assists and five steals for good measure.

Slow to get going, Nottingham found themselves behind early and their arrears steadily increased the longer the game wore on. Trailing 37-28 by the half, losing the third period 26-19 created a hole that was too big for the visitors to escape from, despite winning the final quarter 19-12.

Faye Endean was once again in good form for the hosts, she tied Velkey with 19 points, whilst Vicky Gray (17pts), Evi Dekker (16pts) and Mady Burdett (13pts) were the three Trent players to make it into double digits.

This weekend's results:

Saturday 28 November

1pm - Loughborough Riders 72-53 Thames Valley Cavaliers - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM

2pm - Worcester Wolves 63-75 Ipswich - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM

2pm - Nottingham Trent University 71-66 Reading Rockets - LIVE STATS

Sunday 29 November

2pm - Team Solent Kestrels 75-66 Nottingham Trent University - LIVE STATS

Main image credit - Luke Simcock

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