Worcester Wolves Women came away with maximum points for the third match in a row, running out 76-61 winners in Saturday night’s affair against a physical London All Stars, writes Oli Russell.
Scores were tied 39-39 at the half, however, Alexis Lewis’ side stepped on the gas in the third quarter to ensure a victorious night.
Wolves’ Charlotte Finn welcomed spectators to the University of Worcester Arena in confident style, sinking a three from range with the night's first action.
The two sides continued to exchange blows, with the visitors' Benahili Ozzy-Momodou finding her shooting touch early on.
Seemingly over in a flash, the first quarter concluded with the All Stars nudging into a three-point lead, 17-20 in their favour.
Worcester did well to overturn the deficit, stretching into an eight-point lead due largely to Carolina Marques and Marlee Ball finding their range, each connecting with two triples alongside other contributions.
London All Stars didn’t go away, however, with Katherine Goldsby leading the attack and Jessica Hunt dominating the paint at both ends of the court.
The home side then committed five team fouls with six minutes of the quarter still to play.
Despite the All Stars onslaught that ensued, Wolves’ eight-point lead remained with two minutes left in the half.
Late efforts from Goldsby and Hunt ensured this lead evaporated, however, and the sides went into the half locked up at 39-39.
Although tied up on the scoreboard, the stats weighed heavily in All Stars favour, as they used their height advantage to control the boards and dominate on fast break points.
It felt as though the hosts needed a big third quarter, and that’s what they found.
Wolves put up 24 points over the next 10 minutes, compared to All Stars’ nine, with Finn, Ball, Tejonah McKay and Eri Bukoye all contributing alongside Captain Marques out in front.
Combined with a renewed Wolves defensive effort, this summed up by Heather Maxwell’s two stellar blocks in quick succession, meant the scoreline read 63-48 in favour of Alexis Lewis’s side at the third quarter's end.
Despite London’s and the impressive Goldsby’s endeavours, Worcester controlled the night’s concluding quarter.
McKay and Cianni Montgomery epitomized the Wolves’ second half dominance, controlling the court until the final buzzer sounded.
Carolina Marques led the way for Wolves with 24 points, matched only by Goldsby for the All Stars. Marlee Ball also had a big say on proceedings, adding 15 points along with eight rebounds.
Wolves Women now hit the road before they are back in action at the University of Worcester Arena on Saturday, February 14 (7pm), welcoming the Bristol Flyers.
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