Marg Jones’ Giants see another victory as they steal a win on the road against the Oakland Wolves 69-76.

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Marg Jones and her Giants were back on the road this evening as they looked set to take on the Oakland Wolves in the Women’s British Basketball League. 

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The last time these 2 faced off, Manchester ran out eventual winners after beating Oakland 92-74 with Myah Pace erupting for 28 points and 13 rebounds on 64% from the field. Pace and the Giants would be looking to replicate this feat away from home and do the double over Oakland which could prove vital in the hunt for Playoff basketball. Oakland meanwhile would be looking to even the score and snag a win at home to solidify their claim for playoff basketball. 

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Starting 5’s: 

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Manchester Giants: Brooklynn Macalear-Fanus, Leah McDerment ©, Myah Pace, Eva Karasaite, Hannah Shaw. 

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Oakland Wolves: Caterrion Thompson, Beth Sarson, Shaquera Wade, Amy West, Allison Day ©. 

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First Half: 

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A quick start from Brooklynn Macalear-Fanus and the Giants as she hit nothing but net on a midrange attempt to give Manchester an early advantage. Hannah Shaw tripled the lead with back to back makes split only by Wolves Day and West getting the opponents offence moving. Day went back and forth with Hannah Shaw and Myah Pace down the stretch until Oakland’s Thompson let loose from 3. Eva Karasaite responded with a 3 of her own but not before Hannah Shaw and Brooklynn Macalear-Fanus struck green from the midrange once more, giving the Giants a 5 point lead. Karasaite let loose from 3 once more before the quarter was done and Myah Pace followed suit as did Idil Turk before the quarter was out. 

The 2nd quarter was all Oakland as the Wolves held the Giants to just 12 points all quarter whilst they tacked on 19 of their own to draw level at the half. Oakland consistently found their way to the rim in this quarter with 14 of their 19 points coming from inside the paint. Oakland also managed to limit Manchester on the perimeter, making them force up shots and go 0% from beyond the arc. Oakland drew on level terms with Manchester heading into the locker room. 

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Second Half: 

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It was another close quarter in the 3rd as both teams could not separate themselves from their adversary. An even 21 point quarter for both sides which began with another 2 point shots from Brooklynn Macalear-Fanus. The Giant's point god would turn provider as she found Hannah Shaw inside the paint with a dime to tally another 2 points. The lead would change hands again as Wolves trio Day, West and Thompson put Oakland’s noses in front. 

Hannah Shaw and Thompson would trade baskets before Idil Turk found her rhythm from 3 to swing the advantage in the Giants favour. Oakland would go on a 6-0 scoring run only to be halted by the Giants spark plug once more who converted from close range and was later followed up by Emilie Black. Thompson would shoulder Oakland’s offensive burden as she would score Oakland’s last 5 points of the quarter whilst equalising against Giants guards Macalear-Fanus and Black. 

The final 10 minutes proved to be the most decisive for both sides. It would be 3 minutes into the quarter until the Giants would see their first point from a Myah Pace free throw. From there, Manchester began to awaken as Pace also showed off her range for her 2nd 3 ball of the evening. Idil Turk and Hannah Shaw would also aid Pace in her offensive efforts with points of their own. Turk would also connect from downtown in the final few minutes to extend the Giants lead to 4 whilst Shaw solidified the lead after a Thompson 3. Myah Pace would then go 4/4 from the free throw line in 2 separate trips to bring the Giants lead to 7 and Manchetser would head back up the country with another W. 

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Stats: 

Hannah Shaw: 17 Points, 72%FG, 100%FT.

Brooklynn Macalear-Fanus: 13 Points, 6 Rebounds, 9 Assists. 

Myah Pace: 13 Points, 10 Rebounds, 4 Assists. 

Idil Turk: 16 Points, 55%FG, 60%3PT.

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It’s another road trip for Marg Jones and her Giants next as they look set to take on the League leaders the London Lions. A win here would snap the Lions unbeaten run in the league. Tip off is scheduled for April 14th at 6:00pm and will be available to view via the Women’s British Basketball YouTube channel.