WNBL1 recap: 18/19 March 2023 - live streams, stats and more

Thames Valley took a huge step towards a maiden D1W title this weekend - but still need results to go their way elsewhere to make that a reality.

TVC claimed the top-of-the-table clash against rivals Solent yesterday, moving into first place in the process as all but one of the league's playoff spots are also now confirmed, with just the eighth spot still up for grabs.

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

Thames Valley Cavaliers (18-3) 77-69 Team Solent Kestrels (17-3)

Thames Valley claimed a huge win against title rivals Solent yesterday, securing a hard-fought a 77-69 victory.

Chinwe Iwunze starred off the bench for the hosts, dropping a team-high 22 points to go with seven boards as TVC moved to the top of the standings.

A 23-12 second quarter had given the Kestrels a commanding 40-28 half-time advantage but the Cavs regrouped after the break and a 25-11 third swung the game back in their favour. Up 53-51 with 10 minutes to go and with momentum now on their side, the National Cup winners sealed the win from there.

TVC captain Katherine Goldsby (17pts, 8reb) and Faith Okwuosa (10pts, 8reb, 5stl) both provided useful contributions, whilst Robyn Ainge added a further 11 points that included a pair of triples.

Faye Endean was the standout for Solent, who recorded a 27 point, 10 assist double-double to go with five boards, Yassin Belle-Mbaye (13pts) plus Megan Dorney (14pts, 10reb) both played well.

Despite what will no doubt have been a disappointing defeat given the fact Solent could have sealed top spot with a win, their quest to claim a first regular season title since 2016/17 is still in their own hands.

The Kestrels own the head-to-head tiebreaker with TVC, meaning the Cavs must beat Solent's point total. Thames Valley have just one game remaining on their season, away to Reading next Saturday, whilst Solent go to Worcester next week and Reading the week after.

If Solent win both of their games, they can't be caught. Drop points, however, and that opens the door for TVC to beat Reading and steal the title.

Elsewhere this weekend

Thames Valley started the weekend with an 89-70 win against London Lions II (7-13). The Cavs used a 39-18 third quarter and 25 points from Kat Goldsby to start their weekend on the front foot. The Lions can still make the playoffs but will need to win both their remaining games and hope eighth place Ipswich lose both of theirs to make the cut.

Bristol Academy Flyers (5-15) sealed their D1W survival following a thrilling 68-63 OT win against Worcester Wolves (4-17). The result sealed the H2H tiebreaker between the sides, condemning Worcester to a spot in the bottom two since they can now only tie Bristol's record.

Veronica Iweanya had a monster 19 point, 21 rebound effort to help start the Flyers' celebrations, Carolina Marques had 17 points for the Wolves in reply.

Solent also started their weekend with a win, blowing out Loughborough Riders (10-11) 101-60.

It was the perfect start to the weekend for the Kestrels thanks to 18 points and nine rebounds from Yassin Belle-Mbaye, though that momentum couldn't carry the South coast side to a win the following day.

Bottom side Cardiff Met Archers II (1-21) closed a tough season in defeat, going down 62-55 against Brent Bulls (10-8). Jess Davies continued her standout season with an 18 point, 18 rebound double-double for the visitors.

Reading Rockets (13-6) took a big step towards sealing a top-four spot as they beat Anglia Ruskin University (11-8) 64-52.

Reigning WNBL Player of the Week Lindsey Cleary (27pts, 14reb) was once again in top form, with the Rockets now switching their attention to pivotal title deciding contests against TVC and Solent, with Ipswich's playoff aspirations sandwiched in the middle.

CoLA Southwark Pride (16-5) led from tip to buzzer as they knocked off rivals Ipswich (9-11) 57-54.

Ipswich looked on course to secure a stunning comeback win, but an 18-7 final quarter would see the Suffolk side fall just short.

Felicia Jacobs-Abiola (11pts, 9reb) was the only CoLA player in double-figures during the low-scoring clash, whilst Christabel Osarobo (13pts, 11reb) led all scorers for Ipswich.

This weekend's fixtures:

Saturday 18 March

3pm - London Lions II 70-89 Thames Valley Cavaliers

3pm - Bristol Academy Flyers 68-63 Worcester Wolves (After 1OT) - LIVE STATS

6pm - Loughborough Riders 60-101 Team Solent Kestrels - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM

Sunday 19 March

1pm - Cardiff Met Archers II 55-62 Brent Bulls - LIVE STATS

1:15pm - Reading Rockets 64-52 Anglia Ruskin University - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM

2:15pm - CoLA Southwark Pride 57-54 Ipswich - LIVE STATS

4pm - Thames Valley Cavaliers 77-69 Team Solent Kestrels - LIVE STATS

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