Oaklands Wolves become a step closer to a treble

A strong finish helped the Oaklands Wolves move a step closer to a Super League treble as they defeated Leicester Riders 74-62 on Saturday to book their place in the play-off semi-finals.

Lee Ryan’s side closed the game with a dominant 14-0 run to see off a resilient Riders outfit, setting up a home clash with Caledonia Gladiators next Saturday at 5pm.

Despite having beaten the Riders four times already this season, the Wolves were pushed to the limit by a determined visiting team, and Ryan admitted he was relieved to get over the line.

"Playoff basketball is tough," he said. "We survived today and in the end, that’s the most important thing at this stage of the season. Huge credit to the Riders—they came ready to win and played a great game. We struggled to find our rhythm and connections, but thankfully we got it together in the final period to pull away."

Terri Battle ignited the decisive run with a lay-up, as the Wolves held the Riders scoreless in the final seven minutes. Tay McGhee-Pleasant then scored six straight points to give the hosts a 66-62 lead with 4:21 remaining.

Sam Ashby extended the surge with another lay-up before McGhee-Pleasant added to her tally, and two more baskets from Battle sealed the win and a spot in the last four.

The game started at a high pace, with the Riders taking an early lead before two late buckets from Beth Sarson trimmed the deficit to 30-27 at the end of the first quarter.

The second period remained tightly contested, with triples from Lavinia Da Silva and McGhee-Pleasant helping the Wolves level the score at 42 heading into halftime. However, an 8-2 run by the Riders in the third saw them take a 57-51 lead into the final break.

McGhee-Pleasant was instrumental in the Wolves' comeback, keeping them in touch early in the fourth before leading the game-winning charge. She finished with 22 points and nine rebounds.

Danni McCray added 16 points and seven boards, while Ashby chipped in nine points and six rebounds. GB international Shanice Beckford-Norton also impressed with eight points, eight rebounds and seven assists in an all-round display.

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