Leaders Ipswich grabbed a pair of wins on the weekend, but 2nd place Anglia Ruskin refused to let up as the race to take the regular season title continues to heat up.
D1W league leaders Ipswich began their double-header weekend with a comfortable 93-72 road win over National Cup finalists Nottingham Trent University.
Harriet Welham once again showed why she's one of the most talented players in the WNBL, with a 29 point, 10 rebound double-double that when coupled with team mate Esther Little's 12 points, 25 rebounds and seven assists made Ipswich a very tough opponent for NTU to overcome.
That dominance allowed the visitors to steadily build an advantage as the first half wore on, leading 48-38 by the main change before pulling away in the 2nd half.
2nd place Anglia Ruskin University were able to keep the pressure on Ipswich however, beating Bristol Academy Flyers 85-59. Katrin Hulme enjoyed a 14 point, 13 rebound double-double for ARU, with Madeline Homoly adding a team high 17 points. The win means that ARU sit two wins behind Ipswich with two games in hand, and the Rhinos also own the head-to-head tiebreaker between the two teams.
Thames Valley Cavaliers claimed a valuable victory in the battle for 3rd spot, overcoming playoff rivals Team Solent Kestrels 72-64 on the road. A slow start doomed the Kestrels as a 22-13 1st quarter quickly turned into a 46-23 half time deficit that was too much to overcome. Krisztina Velkey scored a game high 24 points for the Cavs, adding 12 rebounds and five assists for good measure.
In Sunday's only game, Ipswich capped their two win weekend as they easily saw off BA London Lions 94-47. As with so many other teams this season, the Lions proved no match for the ability of Harriet Welham as the talented scored dropped another 35 points to go with eight rebounds and six assists. Lisa Greenaway was the only BA scorer to make it into double digits, she had 13.
3:00pm - Team Solent Kestrels 64-72 Thames Valley Cavaliers - LIVE STATS
4:30pm - Anglia Ruskin University 85-59 Bristol Academy Flyers - LIVE STATS
6:30pm - Nottingham Trent University 72-93 Ipswich - LIVE STATS
3:00pm Ipswich 94-47 BA London Lions II - LIVE STATS
Another four games populate the D1W schedule for week 20, with Loughborough and Team Solent both in double header action.
On Saturday, Loughborough entertain Reading Rockets, whilst the Kestrels are away to Nottingham Trent University. BA London Lions at home to Southwark Pride is the day's only other fixture in what is sure to be an exciting London derby.
Sunday's only fixture is the match up between Loughborough and Solent, with the Riders at home in that one.
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