A strong, physical performance from the University of Nottingham saw off Nottingham Trent in the women’s basketball at David Ross Sports Village
They ran out 70-57 winners in the end.
Uni of Nottingham raced out of the blocks and opened their account with a long two-pointer courtesy of Charlotte Redhead.
The hosts held an early 13-5 advantage and ended the quarter up 24-11 as NTU struggled to take the lid off the basket.
Trent were incredibly sloppy throughout the first half, their only consistent scoring outlet was Mari Stewart who’s tireless work in the paint was rewarded with buckets.
Stewart – who plays for Sheffield Hatters in the WBBL – has been a big player for the team this year and has showed strong leadership.
UoN were strong from the free-throw line – unlike their male counterparts – which gave them a decisive advantage.
Trent were increasingly sloppy throughout the first half and found themselves on the receiving end of an unflattering 42-25 scoreline.
They would have been down a further three points at half-time if it wasn’t for a fantastic buzzer-beating three from skipper Ines Gerreiro.
That three served as a turning point in the contest as Trent closed the gap, thanks to some stellar shooting from Liz Moormann, to seven points after half-time.
Amari Price was excellent for Trent, after half time, running the show from the point guard position and even forcing UoN’s Kenny Hamilton into pressing her full court.
As the third quarter drew to a close Price and Redhead traded three-pointers which were met with roars from the crowd. The gap was ten points as the teams entered the final quarter.
UoN used their centre Kennedy Nicholas increasingly well as the second half progressed and she was able to dominate the paint on the offensive end.
Trent seemed to use up all their energy finding a way back into the match in the third quarter and as the decisive fourth rolled on they looked flat and struggled on both the defensive and offensive ends only managing 7 points in the whole quarter.
It became a war of attrition in the end and the physical approach by UoN, led by Grace Aston and Kennedy Nicholas, meant they emerged victorious in the women’s basketball and do what the men couldn’t.