Manchester dominated in a 96-48 victory over the London Lions in their opening league game of the season.

For Manchester, the player of the game was Danni Williams. She recorded 27 points 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Her perimeter shooting was the real standout of her play as she made seven three-pointers in the game, shooting 87.5% from three-point range.

Another standout performer for Manchester was Bride Kennedy-Hopoate who scored 19 points. Her physicality in the paint provided dominance for Manchester as she took advantage of mis-matches in the post.

London Lions provided little resistance to Manchester’s dominance. However, their standout performer was Macy Spinks who scored 12 points.

It was a fast start for Manchester as they went on an 11-2 run in the opening 1:40 in the game. Bride Kennedy-Hopoate and Danni Williams were to thank for that on the offensive side. However, defensively they were solid as a unit. They forced London Lions to turnover the ball multiple times and this allowed them to take advantage. They furthered their lead in the quarter with six minutes left on the clock to 17-2. Their defensive effort mixed with efficient offence was to thank for this run. Williams and Kennedy-Hopoate scored 11 and 9 points in the quarter. Manchester would end the quarter with a 33-12 lead.

Manchester furthered their advantage in the second quarter. This once again was through defensive hustle forcing London Lions to turn the ball over. Maura Fitzpatrick was evidence to this as she would steal a stray pass which opened space for an open layup. Eva Karasaite made two three-pointers in as many possessions showing once again Manchester’s ability to shoot the ball from beyond the arch. As a team they shot an efficiency of 41% from three-point range. Danni Williams was once again impressive offensively making a tough layup through contact and winning the foul. Manchester went into the half with a 62–21.

Manchester were once again on the front foot to start a quarter. Anastasia Warren was fouled in the act of shooting a three. She would convert all three free-throws. Manchester looked to be offensively efficient and this showed when smooth passing lead to Danni Williams being wide open and converting a three-point shot. Bride Kennedy-Hopoate was impressive in this quarter making shots through contact and recording a block on the defensive end. This lead to Manchester taking an 80-35 lead into the final quarter of the game.

It was a slow end to the game in the final quarter. Manchester were able to keep London Lions at arms length. Danni Williams was once again the highlight for Manchester as she made two three-pointers in the quarter. Manchester never let up defensively and this was shown by Williams as she recorded a steal. Whilst being so important on offence for Manchester, Williams still puts in high effort on defence and makes sure that Manchester are able to work as a sensible unit. Manchester would take the win 96-48 over the London Lions.

Head Coach Krumesh Patel can be happy with his troops as they defeated London Lions. Their effort defensively and the way they moved the basketball are massive positives which Manchester can take into the rest of the season.

Next up for the women is Essex Rebels on Saturday October 26 at the National Basketball Performance Centre - tickets are available here.