Sunday’s WBBL Cup Final will be remembered for a very long time as Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters made history in an incredible finish.
Wow. An iconic moment in the history of the British Basketball Cup Finals. Helen Naylor comes up clutch with the game-winner with 1.4 seconds left as Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters make history by completing the full set of WBBL titles with a 62-60 triumph over Sevenoaks Suns.
“I knew when the ball came to me we didn't have much time on the clock and it's a shot I practice,” said Naylor. “We've had the chance to execute that play a couple of times in games and we never have, until today - and now we are champions.”
Sarah Toeaina produced another impressive display for the Hatters to earn the MVP honour in front of a crowd of 5,000 at Arena Birmingham. The rookie out of Hawaii posted a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds with 9 of 10 shooting from the foul line as reward for her aggressive play inside.
The reigning league MVP, Cat Carr almost came up with the game-winner herself in a thrilling conclusion to the Cup Final. Carr finished with 21 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists - just short of a triple-double in the heart-breaking defeat - a first for the Suns since last year's Trophy Final.
Meanwhile, there was double disappointment for Newcastle Eagles after they suffered two defeats in the week. Chris Bunten’s side were beaten 63-75 at home to Durham Palatinates as Monika Bosilj netted 26 points in the first WBBL game to be played at the Eagles Community Arena.
The WBBL Trophy began on Saturday with the Eagles falling to a 78-64 loss away at Caledonia Pride, who had an array of scoring options.
