Walsall Queens (58) v Milton Keynes Breakers (66)
MK Breakers Women maintained their winning streak in the league despite having to travel to Walsall Queens with several players missing. A combination of injuries, illnesses and cancelled trains meant that there were only seven fully fit players available for selection, plus Sarah Round. Round was able to play but although it was tempting at times, Coach Round opted not to put her on court to protect a minor injury.
The ‘magnificent seven’ started the game well and established an early lead, but Walsall’s combination defences disrupted MK’s normal offenses and proved effective. At the other end of the floor, Walsall shot well from long range and the Breakers were guilty of not putting more pressure on the shooters. During the first period, Courtney Gray and Jordan Elliott-King scored well and Vanessa Obanor was rewarded with several trips to the free throw line after some strong drives and putback attempts. MK deserved their 25-19 lead, at the end of the first period, but it was clear that it wasn’t going to be an easy game.
Through the second quarter, Walsall continued to shoot well and their triangle-and-two defensive tactic caused problems for the Breakers and limited the team to just 13 points. With a restricted line-up, Coach Round had asked his players to play safe on defence to avoid foul trouble in the first half. A consequence of this was the Queens players were able to get shots away and their conversion percentage remained high. They won the second period by 4 points (17-13) and although it felt like they had taken control of the game, it was MK who held the lead at the mid-game break (38-35).
The Breakers players had managed their fouls well in the first half so the instruction at half-time was to dial up the defensive intensity. MK’s on-ball defence became tighter and the off-ball defence was more disruptive. This had the desired effect on Walsall’s shooting percentage and the momentum swung back in MK’s favour. They limited Walsall to 12 points in the third quarter and then just 10 in the fourth.
Through the second half, Queens continued with their combination defences, but their close attention on Jordan Elliott-King and Lauren Dabbs opened up more opportunities for Courtney Gray and Vanessa Obanor. Walsall seemed happy to give MK long-range shooting opportunities and this worked well for the hosts as MK couldn’t convert their attempts. However, in the final phase of the game, one of Walsall’s key players fouled out and another had to leave the court with cramp. In addition to improved shot selection, more aggressive drives into the paint by the MK players resulted in several visits to the free throw line and despite Walsall’s valiant efforts, the Breakers ran the game out with the scoreboard showing 66-58 in their favour.
Reflecting on the game, Coach Round was generally pleased with the game management as the decision to gradually increase the defensive pressure through the game helped with the foul management and by the end of the game, only one of his players had reached three fouls. It was also satisfying to see that all players who entered the game contributed to MK’s total. Vanessa Obanor led the way pouring in 27 points and Courtney Gray scored 20.
MK Breakers Women remain unbeaten in the league, but they know there are some tough tests on the horizon. The hope is that the injured and ill will return to training very soon and the pre-game preparations can return to normal.