Oaklands Wolves head coach has underlined the magnitude of this weekend’s fixture, calling Saturday’s play-off semi-final against Caledonia Gladiators the biggest game of the season, and the final chance for fans to see the team at home.

“This Saturday’s semi-final is without doubt the biggest game of our season and our last home game” he said. “We survived the quarter-final with a push from the crowd in the fourth period, in play-off basketball anything can happen, and without their energy, we wouldn’t have advanced. That’s why we need you with us this weekend. Let’s fill the place, raise the roof, and help get this incredible team to the O2.”

The match takes place at 5pm on Saturday at the Wolves Den, with tickets available online. The game marks a rematch of the SLB Trophy final, where Caledonia edged out the Wolves by just two points in a 61–59 thriller. Since then, Oaklands have gone from strength to strength, claiming both the SLB Cup and League titles and entering the semi-final with momentum and confidence.

Despite the narrow loss in the trophy final, the Wolves have had the upper hand in head-to-head encounters this season, including a commanding 85–73 win at home and a solid 66–58 victory away. The team also picked up a pre-season win north of the border, highlighting their consistency against the Scottish side.

The Gladiators, coached by Chantelle Handy, bring a strong and experienced squad into the fixture. Delaynie Byrne leads the team with an average of 11.9 points per game, closely followed by Kat Tudor on 11.7 and Aerianna Harris with 10.1. Byrne is also a force on the boards, pulling down 7.8 rebounds per game, while Brown, McGarrachan and Harris all contribute significantly in the paint. Playmaking duties are led by Mathilde Domenger, who averages 4.4 assists, supported by Tea Adams and Hannah Robb, with Robb also providing a defensive spark through her 2.3 steals per game.

With a place in the final at the O2 Arena at stake, the Wolves will be looking to deliver one more inspired performance in front of their home crowd and continue what has already been a historic season.

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