BUCS Final 8s Day 2 Recap

Game 1 (semi-final)
Northumbria beat Loughborough 73-70
Northumbria’s hopes for a second BUCS title remained alive as they defeated defending champions Loughborough, 73-70, on Sunday morning at UEL.

Neither team could gain any breathing room, and it wasn’t until Ta’Yani Clark began to take over, scoring 9 points in the final 2 minutes including a huge three to give a 6 point cushion, that Northumbria were able to pull out the win.

“It went kind of how I expected it to go,” said Northumbria Head Coach Josh Merrington, referring to the numerous lead changes that took place from start to finish. “I knew it was going to be close at the end. We prepared in a lot of detail for Loughborough, as they did us, I think the teams are fairly evenly matched.

“I knew it was going to come down to whichever team made the big plays, and we were lucky to make some big plays on defence. Everyone will talk about the three that Ta’Yani hit to put us up six, but we don’t get that if Leola Spotwood doesn’t get the offensive rebound and the assist. Rachel Bland got a huge offensive rebound, all those plays are huge.”

“It was a great game, I’ve got a lot of respect for Matt and his Loughborough programme, so that’s a huge win; that’s a really good team we’ve just beaten today.”

Clark finished with 24 points, and Leola Spotwood added 19 for Northumbria, who will face either Durham or Sheffield Hallam on March 26th at Surrey Sports Park.

Maaja Bratka had 28 to lead Loughborough.

Game 2 (semi-final)
Durham beat Sheffield Hallam 84-71

To be updated.

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