Sevenoaks Suns edged out the Essex Rebels by four points to clinch a 78-74 win on the road.
Julia Koppl led the way for the visitors with 21 points, though it was a huge team effort with all five starters recording double digit point totals.
It was a strong opening for the Suns, as they looked to get off to a similar start as they did in their previous game. A lot of the offense came from beyond the arc, but they converted with great efficiency, scoring five of their nine three-point attempts. This allowed for a high scoring quarter, with 29 points in ten minutes giving them a ten-point lead over their opponents.
The second quarter continued in the same fashion, with the Rebels unable to contain the Suns’ offense. Whilst they still asked questions defensively, largely thanks to center Sune Swart’s 11-point period, they could not get the stops necessary to produce a run. Despite shooting 6/16 as a team, Janice Monakana’s trips to the free throw line helped stretch the lead to as many as 20 points.
Trailing by 17 points heading into the second half, the Rebels had a tough task of getting back into the game. Araion Bradshaw was the second highest scorer with 19 points, seven of those coming in the third. The hosts managed to keep pace with their opponents, but still couldn’t cut into the deficit, instead ending the quarter a further two points behind.
Although the lead seemed comfortable, the Rebels refused to lie down and locked in defensively as they went on a run which really threatened the lead. With a 15-point lead with just five minutes remaining, the Suns only managed to score a further three points. This opened the door for an interesting game, as the Rebels got some good looks. Ultimately, the deficit was too large to overcome, but a final gap of four points showcased their effort in the last quarter.
The victory improves the Suns’ record to 4-3 as they clinch a second in a row. They will look to grab a fifth win and third in a row when they travel to play the Durham Palatinates next week.
Author: Angelia Ronayne
