The smallest of margins saw Oaklands Wolves' hopes of a place in the Women's British Basketball League play-offs end with a heart-breaking 72-70 loss at Durham Palatinates.

Shaq Wade's potentially game-winning shot rolled round the rim before coming back out, and it allowed Durham to seal the victory from the foul line.

It was such a disappointing end for Lee Ryan's team who had looked well on course for victory after taking a 24-11 lead into the first break and then a 40-32 advantage at half-time.

Durham scored the first nine points of the second half to take the lead, but Claire Abbott's triple put Wolves back in front and she drained another shot from downtown to send the visitors into the final break five points to the good.

Ri Thompson drove Wolves out to a 62-54 lead heading into the final seven minutes but a 12-2 run from the north east side eventually left them level with three minutes remaining.

Crucially the next five points were all Durham's and although Thompson landed four straight free-throws, the hosts held on for the win.

Thompson led Wolves with 19 points, six rebounds and two steals, with Wade adding 12 points and six boards.

Allison Day had a big double-double for the second week running, adding 16 rebounds to her 13 points and three steals. 

 

Oaklands Wolves Basketball Club are holding trials next week as they look to strength their Junior National League teams for the 2024/25 season.

Playing at one of the best venues in the country, the St Albans based club are looking for playing, who are currently in Years 6 to 10, who want to be part of the one of the top clubs in the country.

Wolves will continue to field five boys' and three girls' teams, with last season seeing their U14 and U16 girls and boys compete at premier level.

The teams feed into Wolves Basketball Academy which fields teams in senior basketball at the weekend and at elite academy level midweek, with the club's marquee team playing in the Women's British Basketball League.

Further details at www.oaklandsbasketball.com