Barking Abbey Lions 56-57 Worcester Wolves

6th November 2021 – By Reece Williams

This week’s WNBL division 1 fixture featured a long trip to East London for the Worcester Wolves as they were set to take on the Barking Abbey Lions’ second team.

After a long coach journey and some warming up from both sides, the game was set to tip-off and the Wolves looked like they were in control taking a sizable lead in the first five minutes.

Barking Abbey were able to make a small comeback to decrease the lead and make it easier to come back into the game, the first quarter ending 21-16 to the Wolves.

After a slow start, Barking Abbey Lions II wanted to start gaining some momentum and leading this game.

Despite a huge climb to gain the lead in this second quarter, the Wolves were not going to go away quietly.

A huge offensive effort by Shanice Turner in the first half helped to keep the Barking Abbey Lions within distance.

The lions managed to keep the lead but only by one point, leading 33-34 going into the second half.

The second half showed Coach Ryan Emery’s rotation and the ability of the whole squad, with huge performances from Kacy Cox and Nuri Seyedagha on the offensive end.

Worcester Wolves wanted to win this game and they were showing that they were willing to fight for a much-needed win.

Following the trend of the first half by constantly driving to the basket, getting contact, and forcing themselves to the free-throw line to gain a lot of points.

The third quarter is the most important one as it gives the team in the lead momentum to climb and run away with the lead in the fourth, the Wolves lead 47-44 going into the final 10 minutes of action.

All is still to play for in the final quarter, both teams going at each other and the Lions being carried by a monstrous performance from Fatmata Janneh.

Continuous driving to the basket Shanice Turner and Carolina Marques kept the Wolves in front and the jump shot ability of Chandré Nunez only added to the lead.

All came down to the final seconds where the teams were tied 56-56, the clock winding down and Carolina Marques drives to the basket getting fouled with one second on the clock.

So much pressure on these free throws to win the game, with ice in her veins, Marques hits 1/2 free throws to give the Wolves the lead and the win.

Worcester Wolves withstand the pressure from Barking Abbey Lions II, winning 57-56.

Top performers for the Wolves are Shanice Turner and Chandré Nunez with 12 points, and Carolina Marques with 9 points and the game-winning basket.

Fatmata Janneh’s performance cannot go unnoticed, however, 31 points and 10 rebounds almost carried her team to a win.

You can catch the Worcester Wolves’ next game at home against Solent Kestrels on 14th November at the University of Worcester Arena.

Get your tickets online and be there to support the Worcester Wolves ladies in the WNBL Division 1.