It was another exciting day of National Basketball League playoff fixtures which saw just two games take place. The first of the game was a matchup between WNBL D1 Champions CoLA, who came into this game following an undefeated season. They would face off against the Solent Kestrels.
The Kestrels had a slight advantage after the first quarter; just 2-points separating the two teams after 10 minutes. The game remained tight and finished even as the half came to a close.
Molly Lavin with 2⃣ points for CoLA.
— NBL (@NBLengland) April 24, 2022
Watch live ➡️ https://t.co/xft8B1LDEU#GameTime | #NBL2122 pic.twitter.com/9ssxDR3BCG
Going into the second half, there was still very little to separate the two teams as they continued to go back and forth throughout the game constantly trading buckets.
Taylor Gaffney gets it to go for CoLA 🪣
— NBL (@NBLengland) April 24, 2022
Watch live ➡️ https://t.co/xft8B1LDEU#GameTime | #NBL2122 pic.twitter.com/Z1aAxgUDGL
With the game tied late in the fourth quarter, Funmi Amode would score the go ahead layup giving CoLA the lead 54-52 with 34.3 seconds left to go.
COLA GO AHEAD LATE IN THE FOURTH. @CoLABasketball #WNBL2122 pic.twitter.com/0j77BupuYF
— HOOPER (@hooperofcl) April 24, 2022
In the end it would come down to free throws and CoLA would come out on top, completing the double for the WNBL Division 1 season; the league title and the playoff title as well as a perfect season for Jackson Gibbons' side. Funmi Amode would come away with the MVP award, finishing the game with 23 points. Coach Gibbons spoke on her performance:
Secondly, coach Gibbons spoke on finals MVP Funmi Amode’s performance & journey with @CoLABasketball
— NBL (@NBLengland) April 24, 2022
“It’s one of the things that made me emotional… the sheer class of the young lady” pic.twitter.com/uYhZYXw0ge
Another great showcase for Women's basketball here in the UK and another championship banner (two even) to be hung up amongst many for CoLA.
Photo Credit: Luke Simcock