The WBBL side suffer a close 74-72 loss to a strong Essex Rebels team on Sunday.
Wolves hoped to continue their run of good form, after beating Caledonia Pride and Cardiff Met Archers. However, it was always going to be hard when Rebels defeated previously top of the table Leicester Riders.
Despite the loss, Oaklands have shown they can compete with the best and are still in contention for playoffs.
The close affair started with the Wolves jumping out to an early lead as they crashed the offensive boards. Amari Carter led the team with her perimeter shooting as the first quarter ended 15-21.
Essex cut the lead in the second, doing a much better job of finding good shots and knocking them down. Oaklands began to struggle on both ends of the floor against the improved play of the home team. However, 22 first half points from Carter kept the side in the game as the half ended 40-38.
Rebels extended their lead to start the second half as they played through forward Lucrezia Costa. Wolves responded by taking care of the ball and finding good shots, closing out the third quarter 59-60.
Both teams looked to be patient and disciplined to close out the game in the final period. In the last 30 seconds, Oaklands found themselves up 71-72. Essex then got to the free throw line to make it 73-72. Wolves couldn’t get their final shot to drop as the game ended 74-72.
Carter finished with 30 points for Oaklands, alongside a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds from Greeta Uprus.
Rebels bench scored just 3 points, seeing each starter in double-digit scoring. Deangelique Waithe and Costa led the side with 18 and 15 points respectively, while Costa also grabbed 19 rebounds.
Lee Ryan’s side will look to their next game as they face BA London Lions on Saturday.
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