Nottingham Wildcats were back on court for the first time since December 19^th and for only the third match this season in the WBBL Championship, but the hosts put up a huge performance against Essex Rebels to win a comfortable game 98-67 at the Wildcats Arena.

The Wildcats are now 2-1 from their three league games and go into next Sunday’s WBBL Cup Final against Leicester Riders in full confidence after a terrific win which saw Jasmine Joyner score 17 points with 11 rebounds and December’s player of the month Chelsey Shumpert hit sixteen points with nine assists.

Nottingham led from the front scoring 28pts verses 16 in the first quarter before stretching their half time lead to an almost unassailable 63-32, thirty one point lead.

The Rebels closed down the margin in the second half but a strong performance by the Wildcats will see them go into Sunday’s match live on Sky Sports in full swing. The Riders themselves beating Caledonia Pride by 30 points are unbeaten this season.

Nottingham’s route to the final was helped by Sevenoaks Suns pulling out of the competition after beating the Wildcats in the semi-final. The Kent based outfit have decided to forfeit their games and postpone all up coming matches until February due to concerns over covid.

The match which is a double header aired on TV will also feature the men’s BBL Cup final between Newcastle Eagles and London Lions with both games taking place at the University of Worcester Arena. Tip off for the Wildcats verses the Riders is 1pm.

*Main image @IAmAhmedphotos Siobhan Prior scored 12 points on her return.