Northumbria Can Be Playoff Wildcards

Chris Bunten is confident Team Northumbria can cause serious problems heading into the playoffs as his in-form side maintained the pressure on the WBBL’s top four.

The Sport Central club returned from north of the border with two invaluable points after defeating Caledonia Pride 88-59.

And TN remain within touching distance of the top four - and a home tie in the playoff quarter-finals - heading into a two-week break from league action.

“It’s a long time since I’ve looked at the league table if I’m honest,” said Bunten. ”I’ve had too many other things to focus on as we’ve looked to overcome injuries and improve upon our performances.

“However, I know we’re in the mix for a top four finish and we just have to ensure we manage our games and hope other results go our way.

“Even if we end up outside the top four and away in the playoff quarter-finals I’d still fancy our chances.

“We’re getting better and better and we’d back ourselves to beat any team away from home.

“I don’t think any side would want to face us first up and we’re quite capable of causing a few problems in the playoffs.”

TN took an 18-15 lead after the first quarter in Edinburgh and led by 16 at the half. It was plain sailing for the visitors down the stretch with Ali Gorrell hitting a game high 26 points - adding nine boards and five assists.

“Ali and Kara Bonenberger were outstanding again and it was great to see Noelia Quintas get more minutes under her belt,” added Bunten.

“She scored 13 points in half an hour and is starting to make a real impact. She’s training with us more often and fitting into the team very well.

“We didn’t have Rachael Bland in the side the last time we faced the Pride and she made a key contribution with 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

“Overall I was very pleased with the team performance and to have five players in double figures made a huge difference.”

Bunten will lead Northumbria into BUCS Finals action this weekend before his side resumes their late-season WBBL charge towards the end of the month.

“It’s amazing to think that we could still finish in the top four after all of the bad luck we’ve had this season,” he added.

“Fingers crossed we’ve come through the worst and we can now look at making a real impact in BUCS and the WBBL.”