Recap
Team Northumbria head coach Chris Bunten praised Alison Gorrell’s top score of 27 points which helped her team secure two valuable points in the WBBL Championship.
“She plays a huge part in the team and was phenomenal as always,” said Bunten. “I have been very fortunate to coach her last year and this year and I know she will go on to do bigger and better things.”
A double-double from Gorrell and Kara Bonenberger edged the Northumbria University side to victory over Nottingham Wildcats 70-68 in overtime.
“It really was a team effort, every single one of those players did exactly what we asked them to in the game and they stuck with it even when we went down a little bit,” added Bunten.
TN took an early lead in the first period, opening up a three-point gap at Sport Central.
But in the second quarter TN struggled on offense and only managed eight points as Wildcats lead 25-31 at the half.
A high scoring third quarter ensued as the teams combined for 35 points between to leave TN trailing by seven going into the final quarter.
TN produced a thrilling offensive display in the fourth, matching Wildcats’ score 61-61 before winning the WBBL tie in the first period of overtime.
“After the game the dressing room was amazing, we needed to win and the nice thing was the second half we played together as a team,” added Bunten.
“We never felt the pressure. We felt we could win the game and it was good to see that we came back from 10 down in the fourth. The players were fantastic and they executed their offence and defence very well.”
Bunten was also keen to turn his focus on the WBBL Cup after TN drew Oaklands in the quarter-finals.
“We have a good draw and if we were to win that we go into the final fours,” he added. “The cup is a priority for us right now.
“With the league we continue to play and focus on the playoffs at the end of the season.”
Next up for TN in the WBBL are BA London Lions, who they play in two weeks’ time away from home at the Barking Abbey Leisure Centre.
Report by Dan Simmonite
