Suns WBBL team opened their 2022-23 season Sunday with a loss to the London Lions. In a rematch of last season’s Trophy and Playoff final opponents, the Lions proved too strong running out 83-72 winners.
There were lots of positives for the Suns as the team had only a few practices together before the game. Renee Busch showed a newfound aggressiveness on offence netting 25 points to lead both teams in scoring. Newcomer Araion Bradshaw was outstanding playing 36 minutes, scoring 10 points, and drawing 11 fouls. Veterans Janice Monakana and Judit Fritz had 16 and 14 points respectively.
The Suns started brightly jumping out to a 13-9 lead halfway thru the first quarter before London stormed back to lead by 10 at the end of the quarter, 24-14. The second quarter was very competitive until some defensive lapses by Suns allowed the Lions to close the half on a 10-0 run to lead at the break by 20, 46-26.
The third quarter was a relatively even affair but the Suns put together an outstanding fourth quarter, outscoring Lions 26-16 to close the final gap to 83-72.
Head Coach, Len Busch said:
"I was proud of how the team played. Lions have been practicing for over a month while we have only had a few practices. We fought the whole game and I think our performance bodes well for the rest of the season. We still have two Americans coming and they will give us some added depth and ways to score. I’m very excited."
Suns will travel to St. Albans next weekend, before they will host their first home game on October 8th at 3pm against the Newcastle Eagles. Purchase your tickets now on Eventbrite (Click Link)
