Defending champs Ipswich began their defence with a narrow win over Thames Valley, whilst there were also victories for Solent, Worcester, Southwark and Loughborough.
There's a recap of all the action below, and each result is also clickable if you wish to view the live stats.
Defending league and playoff champs Ipswich began a new chapter for the club with a narrow 62-56 victory over Thames Valley.
Faced with an off-season exodus that involved a number of influential players, Ipswich have regrouped and embraced their next generation of talent to take on D1W once again.
It looked like the new era could be off to a rocky start as TVC held the lead for much of the first three quarters on Saturday, but a 22-13 final frame helped Ipswich come from behind to claim a scrappy contest that contained 55 turnovers.
Ava Batesse top-scored with 19 points as new captain Cameron Taylor-Willis enjoyed a 10-point, 17-rebound double-double and Yassin Belle-Mbaye added a 16-point, 11-rebound effort of her own.
Thames Valley were led by Eleanor Bishop, who had 22 points and nine boards, whilst Faith Okwuosa contributed a 11-point, 10-rebound, six-steal effort off the bench.
Welcome to the family @30likecurry_ & @yaasauceENT
— Ipswich Basketball (@IpswichBball) October 4, 2021
Yassin & Ava were immense in their Ipswich @NBLengland debut's on Saturday
It's great to see @IBA_CoachDrane & @TSadler21 working together to provide playing opportunities within the men's and women's game
šø@PavelKricka pic.twitter.com/WZPPxp4NUy
Team Solent KestrelsĀ (1-0) enjoyed a home win againstĀ London Lions II (0-1), thanks to a strong start to the season from Faye Endean.
The talented guard got her campaign underway with 18 points and five boards, as Anna Nevison (14pts, 6ast, 4reb) and Molly Danielson (12pts, 10reb) both played well.
Fatmata Janneh was a standout for the Lions, but her 27 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three steals wouldn't be enough.
Bristol FlyersĀ (0-1) couldn't mark their return to D1W with a win as they went down 63-56 to Worcester Wolves.
Chandre Nunez top scored for the hosts on 18 points as the Wolves led 36-26 by half time before converting that advantage into a W.
Last season's runners upĀ CoLA Southwark PrideĀ (1-0) started their season with a victory as they beatĀ Reading RocketsĀ (0-1) 69-48.
Continuing her form from 2020/21, forward Molly Lavin dropped 20 points for the London programme, whilst Candela Hermida Nunez had 22 for the Rockets.
Last season's basement side Cardiff Met Archers IIĀ (0-1) couldn't find an uptick in form yesterday as they lost 82-64 at home toĀ Loughborough Riders (0-1).
Sasha Lecuyer's 25 points were a difference maker for the Riders, though Alia El Shabrawy (10pts, 8reb, 6ast), Robyn Ainge (12pts, 7reb) and Katie Januszewska (12pts, 6reb) also played well.
Isobel Bunyan top scored for Cardiff, she had an impressive 18 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and five blocks.
El Shabrawy spin cycle
— bbl fix (@BblFix) October 3, 2021
š„ BE/Archers pic.twitter.com/JG6PUMgG1s
3:30pm - Team Solent Kestrels 77-53 London Lions II -Ā LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM
3:30pm - Ipswich 62-56 Thames Valley Cavaliers -Ā LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM
4pm - Worcester Wolves 63-56 Bristol Academy Flyers
3pm - Cardiff Met Archers II 64-82 Loughborough Riders -Ā LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM
3:15pm - COLA Southwark Pride 69-48 Reading Rockets -Ā LIVE STATS
Main image credit - Pavel Kricka
