Oaklands victory in British College Sport National Cup

South Essex College           12 (4, 7, 7)

Oaklands College           114 (38, 65, 91)

Oaklands College secured their quarter-final place in the British College Sport National Cup with an overwhelming victory over South Essex College 114-12 in their last 16 encounter.

The game started with Oaklands College scoring the first 15 points with their defence creating early scoring opportunities for Lizzy Harrison on the fast break while Alison Nicholls and Aisha Abumarzouq were dominating on the boards. Beccy Dodunski, playing hard despite feeling ill, scored off excellent dribble penetration and then Kelly Chittock hit one of her trade-mark perimeter shots to send Oaklands College in at the end of the first quarter with a 38-4 lead.

Iona Allan hit a great pull up in transition followed by a deep three pointer from Chittock. The ever improving Philippa Hill attacked the basket and scored and then Ellie Byrne, quietly running the team at point guard, made two back to back baskets followed by a nice pull up jump shot from Harrison to finish the second quarter with the game effectively over at 65-7.

The second and third quarters saw Oaklands College Head Coach Michael Ball ask his team to focus upon specific targets at both ends of the floor and to improve particular defensive systems.

 “Apart from a brief period in the 4th quarter I was really pleased with how we approached today and the way in which everybody played together”, commented Coach Ball. The game finished with a 114-12 win to Oaklands College.

“We now face a quarter final game away against The College of West Anglia who beat Hackney College 88-78. We know we will be in for a tough game and we will need to get our preparation right with a long journey to Kings Lynn on March 2nd. However the reward for victory would be our first Final Four appearance. I am sure the girls will be up for it”, added Coach Ball.

Scorers:

Alison Nicholls 36, Lizzy Harrison 24, Aisha Abu-Marzouq 18, Kelly Chittock 16, Ellie Byrne 6, Philippa Hill 6, Iona Allan 4, Becci Dodunski 4, Fego Adhokorie, Puzzle Phiri