Gorrell stars in dramatic comeback win
TEAM Northumbria head coach Chris Bunten praised Alison Gorrell’s top score of 27 points which helped the 2016 Playoff winners 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
(pictured) 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 offensively as they only managed eight points, with the Wildcats leading 31-25 at the half.
A high-scoring third quarter ensued as the teams combined for 35 points to leave TN trailing by seven going into the final quarter.
TN produced a thrilling attacking display in the fourth, drawing level at 61-61 before winning the WBBL tie in the first period of overtime. ■■Veteran forward Jack Preston was left feeling frustrated after Team Northumbria’s defeat by Hemel Storm rocked the reigning Division One champions.
Heading into the second half, TN were down 17 points, a deficit that proved too wide a margin for the home side to chase down as they lost 89-66.
And after last season’s success, Preston made it clear that TN have to improve – as the team every side wants to beat.
“We have to realise that after last year’s success we have a target on our back,” said Preston.
“There are a few things that we need to work on as a group but it’s important now that we use this loss as a tool to move forward for what will be a long season.”
Looking forward to the future, Preston was left feeling excited after this week’s BBL Trophy first round draw which saw TN drawn against BBL heavyweight’s Worcester Wolves, a tie that Preston admitted he was relishing.