In the final week of D1W action for 2019, we've got a recap of all the games from this past weekend plus coverage of the four National Cup quarter finals that took place yesterday.
Harriet Welham capped a 37 point performance by holding her nerve from the free throw line to give Ipswich a huge 90-89 win over Reading.
Welham was ably supported by Colleen Leung, who finished with 26. The duo combined for 22 of the host's 31 4th quarter points as the game remained on a knife edge to the final few seconds.
Reading had led by as many as 19 in the contest, with Candela Hermida Nunez (23 points) and Sitota Gines Espinosa (20 points, eight assists) both playing well. That simply set the stage for Ipswich to come roaring back though, eventually claiming a famous win.
Leaders Anglia Ruskin maintained their grip on top spot following a routine 82-41 win over Southwark Pride. ARU were in control 46-25 by the half thanks in part to eventual top scorer Madeline Homoly, who had 24 points. The London side ran out of steam after the break though, scoring just 16 points the rest of the way.
BA London Lions II secured their first win of the season thanks to a dramatic 67-63 OT win against Bristol. Barking had to wait for the victory as a Rebecca Cantin lay up with a second to go drew the sides level at 56, forcing the extra period. The Lions held their nerve to come back strong as Ann Sheia enjoyed a great performance. The talented scorer had 26 points for the hosts, including seven three pointers.
Nottingham Trent continued their recent good form as they knocked off Loughborough 71-61. The win was NTU's 3rd in the last four games and came in part thanks to a 28 point effort from Arielle Jackson.
Three of the quarter finals for the National Cup took place this weekend, with only Nottingham Trent v Southwark yet to be decided.
There would be no repeat performance for Ipswich as Reading had their revenge for Saturday's D1W result, coming out on top 81-52. The contest was perhaps a step too far for Ipswich's injury depleted roster as they couldn't keep up with Reading's high powered offence. Lucia Serrano Ranz impressed for the Rockets, scoring a team high 20 points.
Anglia Ruskin punched their ticket to the semis with an 89-52 win over D2W's Derby Trailblazers. Derby held their own for the first half of the contest before falling away in the 3rd quarter, with ARU's Madeline Homoly the pick of the Rhinos' player, she had 27 points and 11 rebounds.
Loughborough's defence of the National Cup is over after they fell to a 63-54 home defeat against Bristol. Former D1W player of the week Flo Ward was instrumental to the Flyers' cause, she finished with 23 points and seven steals.
12:30pm - Loughborough Riders 61-71 Nottingham Trent University - LIVE STATS
3:15pm - Bristol Academy Flyers 63-67 BA London Lions II - LIVE STATS
4:00pm - Ipswich 90-89 Reading Rockets - LIVE STATS
4:30pm - Anglia Ruskin University 82-41 Southwark Pride - LIVE STATS
12:30pm - Loughborough Riders 54-63 Bristol Academy Flyers - LIVE STATS
3:30pm - Anglia Ruskin University 86-52 Derby Trailblazers - LIVE STATS
3:30pm - Ipswich 52-81 Reading Rockets - LIVE STATS
D1W is now done for 2019, with no fixtures scheduled between now and the end of the year.
The action picks up in 2020 with a pair of games on Saturday 4 January as Loughborough entertain Bristol and Ipswich travel to Southwark.
Main image credit - Joe Pinchin/Leicester Riders
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