Team Northumbria slipped to a 79-74 defeat in their WBBL opener against Manchester Mystics.
The fixture tipped-off with a fast start from the hosts who took an early lead in the first quarter.
But Mystics managed to claw back TN’s lead and go into the second quarter clear by two-points.
A purple patch for TN followed as Kara Bonenberger capitalised on Mystics’ errors and sank both of her free throws after drawing a foul just before the halfway point.
After going into the break 37-35 ahead the homecourt players stepped on the gas pedal in the third quarter.
Mistakes were few and far between as both sides treated the crowd to a combined 31 points - TN taking a 55-52 lead into the last 10 minutes.
The fourth quarter was met with relentless scoring from both teams, ensuring the tension mounted down the stretch.
But it was Mystics who prevailed following a big three-pointer from Natalie Chaloner who bagged 14 points from the bench.
TN’s marquee signing of the season, Chantelle Handy, managed an impressive 18 points despite her team’s loss - a tally that the GB international will be looking to better in the next fixture at Cardiff Met Archers this Saturday.
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