Four games made up week 15 in D1W as more teams make their return to action in 2020. We take a look at all the action in our usual Monday recap.
Ipswich claimed a share of top spot in D1W following an 86-80 win over Anglia Ruskin on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts certainly had to work for the points though, trailing 20-9 after the opening period. That spurred Ipswich on to dig deep, winning the 3rd quarter 36-16 to establish a lead they'd never relinquish.
Multiple winner of the D1W Player of the Week award Harriet Welham was once again in top form, scoring an impressive 36 points for the hosts to six rebounds and six assists.
Noa Sanchez Marques did her best to keep ARU in the game, finishing with a team high 21 points, but it wouldn't be enough as the Rhinos fell to a 9-2 record on the year.
Fortunately for Anglia Ruskin, they still retain the head-to-head tiebreaker against Ipswich should the two sides finish the regular season with a tied record. They beat the Suffolk side by 15 points back in October, compared to a six point loss here.
Team Solent Kestrels put on a show in front of the NBL cameras to beat Southwark Pride 59-46. Earleesha Jackson proved to be a tough match up for the Pride throughout, pulling down an impressive 14 boards to go with 12 points to seal the double-double. Kristina Karpova top scored for Solent with 15 points, and Mia Jaye Sarkodee-Adoo enjoyed a game high 19 points for the visitors.
Thames Valley strengthened their claim for a playoff spot as they beat BA London Lions II 62-49. Defeat left the Lions rooted to the foot of the D1W table, as Diana Voynova's 18 points led all scorers for the Cavs.
Finally, Loughborough Riders fell to a disappointing home defeat against Bristol Academy Flyers, with a final score of 65-27. The Flyers played some strong defence throughout, highlighted by their efforts to hold the Riders to just 12 2nd half points. Bristol's Flo Ward fell just short of the double-double, finishing with 16 points, nine rebound and five assists.
3:00pm - Loughborough Riders 27-65 Bristol Academy Flyers STATS
3:00pm - Team Solent Kestrels 59-46 Southwark Pride STATS
3:00pm – Ipswich Basketball 86-80 Anglia Ruskin University STATS
4:00pm – Thames Valley Cavaliers 62-49 BA London Lions II STATS
The tough match ups continue for Anglia Ruskin next week as they host third placed Solent in the pick of week 16's games.
Joint leaders Ipswich host 4th place Thames Valley in what is sure to be an equally exciting contest, whilst Southwark entertain Nottingham Trent and BA London Lions II travel to Loughborough.
Main image credit - Luke Simcock
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