The Sevenoaks Suns fell to a third defeat of the season as they lost 63-79 at home to the Sheffield Hatters.
A difficult start to the campaign continued, with Janice Monakana’s 23 points not enough to help her team overcome their high-flying opponents.
It was an even start to the contest, with both sides exchanging points. A three-pointer from Renee Busch opened up the scoring for the Suns as Monakana’s seven-point quarter gave them an early six-point advantage at the close of the period. The Suns defense held their own, restricting the Hatters to 39% efficiency from the field.
In the second quarter it was the visitor’s turn to tighten up their defense, with Len Busch’s side struggling to get into any offensive rhythm. They only managed to convert four of their 17 field goal attempts, whilst going 3/6 from the free throw line. Hatters, on the other hand, scored two quick back-to-back three-pointers from Georgia Gayle and ended the quarter with 16 points, cutting the lead to just one.
With the game finely poised, the Hatters earned their first lead since the opening minutes to make it 33-34, with a floating jump shot from Karly Murphy three minutes into the second half. Guards Charli Rowe and Gayle converted big shots from beyond the arc to maintain the Hatters’ lead, but another big quarter from Monakana kept her side within reach heading into the final period.
Another triple from Rowe opened the quarter, and it set the tone for the remaining minutes as they put up a huge haul of 29 points to seal victory. The Suns failed to regain their shooting rhythm, with over half of their fourth quarter points coming from the free throw line. But as always, they fought valiantly until the end, as Katie Cox drained a late three pointer. Unfortunately, the deficit was ultimately too large to overcome.
The Suns will now have a long break to regroup and prepare for their next game against the Cardiff Met Archers on December 3rd as they look to return to winning ways.
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