There were four games in D1W this week, including Ipswich's road game in Solent against a Kestrels team they'd already lost to this year, plus a dress rehearsal for next weekend's National Cup final.
Anglia Ruskin will be delighted with a similar score line next weekend as they gained an early advantage over National Cup final opponents Nottingham, coming out on top 74-64.
A slow start doomed the hosts early in this one, trailing 24-8 after 1 and 46-23 by the half. Arielle Jackson would finish with 27 points as she helped NTU claw some of their deficit back, but it would be Anglia Ruskin's day as they kept their opponents at arm's length with an advantage that only briefly dropped below double digits.
American Madeline Homoly was in great form for ARU, she finished with a 27 point, 10 rebound double-double that will no doubt cause the Nottingham coaching staff some sleepless nights over the next few days as they prepare their game plan for the final.
Another jaw-dropping stat line from Harriet Welham helped Ipswich past Team Solent 82-72, keeping the Suffolk side at the top of the D1W standings in the process. Welham showed the sort of form that has led to her receiving five Player of the Week nods this season, finishing with 39 points, six rebounds and four assists. With production like that, it's likely she could be heading for another award from week 17 as well.
Thames Valley increased Loughborough's relegation fears as the Cavs sealed a 70-54 victory thanks to 17 points from Diana Voynova. Defeat leaves Loughborough tied with BA London Lions II and Southwark for two potential relegation spots. The Riders have now lost their last seven games, and with just six games left in the season they need to find some wins as soon as possible.
Fellow strugglers Southwark Pride also lost on Saturday, with Bristol claiming a low scoring 43-28 victory. Arlette Palmquist Gomes ended up with a telling contribution for the Flyers, scoring eight points on a 4/7 shooting performance. Defeat keeps the London club in the mix for the D1W trap door as well, though the Pride face BA and Loughborough in their next two games.
3:00pm - Team Solent Kestrels 72 - 82 Ipswich - LIVE STATS
3:15pm - Bristol Academy Flyers 43 - 28 Southwark Pride - LIVE STATS
4:30pm - Loughborough Riders 54 - 70 Thames Valley Cavaliers - LIVE STATS
6:30pm - Nottingham Trent University 64 - 74 Anglia Ruskin University - LIVE STATS
D1W enjoys a break next week so that all eyes can be on the National Cup in Essex. Play resumes the following week with four games across the 8/9 February.
Main image credit - Nick Winter
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