Nottingham Wildcats were beaten in the semi-finals of the WBBL playoffs live on Sky Sports last night as London Lions advance to the final where they’ll play Newcastle Eagles who are coming into form at just the right time.
The Wildcats pushed hard against a top London side who’ll be favourites now to win the final and at half-time at the University of Worcester Arena, there was only two points between the two sides before the Lions played out a big Q3 to take control.
In the end it was an eleven point victory for London with the match finishing 77-68 but Nottingham can hold their heads up high after a tough stop-start season, doing themselves proud to finish top four in the Championship and a match away from a chance at winning the playoffs.
On the night, Chelsey Shumpert top scored for the Wildcats with 22 points whilst Praise Egharevba netted 19 and Moa Lundqvist 12.
The Wildcats actually finished their season without one of their star players, Jasmine Joyner limped out of the WBBL Trophy final in March in defeat against London, but the side since rallied around and strengthened their team play towards the end of the campaign to finish strong, Simone Costa and Chelsey Shumpert in particular leading the way. Last weekends victory in the Quarter Finals against Manchester Met Mystics set up a Friday night semi-spot on the box against London who for the fourth time this season in all competitions, proved too strong for the Wildcats who put up a real good fight.
Whilst the Nottingham girls will get to put feet up on a closed season, London will now play Newcastle who beat championship winners Sevenoaks Suns last night and Leicester Riders before that, to make the final which will be played on Sunday 16th May in Leicester.
*Main image @WBBLofficial Moa Lundqvist shoots against the Lions.
