TN girls get back to form against Suns

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

TEAM Northumbria bounced back with a vital win on the road to the WBBL play-offs to cap a tough weekend double-header.

TN tipped off with a Saturday trip to Manchester and lost out 85-72 to the homecourt Mystics.

However, back at Sport Central on Sunday, the hosts ground out a nailbiting 67-63 win against the Sevenoaks Suns.

The game was close from tip to buzzer, the visitors just shading it during a competitive first half.

TN came out fighting after the break to bring the game to a thrilling fourth-quarter close.

However, coach Chris Bunten was on his feet for most of the game - visibly frustrated with the first-half performance.

TN’s playcaller (pictured) was relieved his side managed to turn around a tight match when it mattered most.

He said: “It was nice to get a win in what was such a close game because we have not been in those situations a lot and the fact we can fight and bring it out when it matters is huge.

“We made good plays down the stretch but we dug ourselves a hole in the first half.

“Luckily the score did not reflect how poorly we were playing defensively.

“Credit to the girls - they stood up and we held them to about 21 points in the second half so that is huge.

“If we can put that effort in more often then we will be really good come the play-offs.

“It is a really positive step forward from where we have been.”

Over the weekend three players stood out for TN - each putting in solid performances.

Bunten added: “Nicolette Fong Lyew Quee, Kara Bonenberger and Alison Gorrell are my three marquee players and right now we need them more than ever.

“They played 40 minutes when we had a tough loss at Manchester and they played 40 minutes again 24 hours later. They are real fighters.”

TN travel to title contenders Nottingham Wildcats on Saturday before welcoming Barking Abbey Crusaders to Sport Central the following day (4.00 tip-off).