Sevenoaks Suns returned from a short break with a dominant 86-62 victory over Manchester Met Mystics to keep their unbeaten streak intact.
Heading into the game as overwhelming favourites against their winless opponents, the Suns did not disappoint as they led from start to finish, in a performance headlined by Araion Bradshaw’s 24 points. She also recorded nine assists in what was a very impressive display.
It was a quick start from the home side with an early 10-0 run setting the tone for the match thanks to a pair of triples from Janice Monakana and Bradshaw. Mystics guard Samantha Keltos responded with a three of her own to stop the bleeding and finally get her team on the board.
However, it did not translate to further success as the Suns defense worked their way on top and then overwhelmed their opponents offensively with lots of transition buckets. Renee Busch led the way in the first quarter, draining three triples in a row to close the period in which she scored 13 of her 18 total points. This helped the Suns to a 13-point lead after one.
A similar pattern emerged in the second, with the Mystics unable to keep pace with the potent Suns’ offense. The lead kept growing and the game was soon becoming out of reach. With an advantage as large as 23, it allowed the hosts some breathing room as they took the game over with their defense. Whenever the Suns went a little cold, they stepped up defensively and did not let the away team gain hope or find any rhythm before the half. Trailing by 19, the Mystics had plenty to do to get themselves back in the match and make a game of it.
Whilst there was an entire half of basketball left to play, there was no threat to the result as the deficit kept increasing. Bradshaw hit another three to open the half which started a 17-6 run and truly put the game to bed. The lead ballooned to 29 with a quarter left to play.
Despite the large lead, it didn’t stop Bradshaw from continuing her hot form into the last ten minutes. Ultimately, the Suns cruised to victory winning by 24 points. This result solidified their second place in the standings as they grabbed their 10th win of the season.
They will look to make it 11 when they travel to league leaders Leicester Riders next week.
Author: Angelia Ronayne
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