The Gloucester City Queens got their third win of their debut WBBL season as they defeated the stubborn Nottingham Wildcats 75-69 in an enthralling game at Oxstalls on Sunday.
Bianca Osas-Maxwell led the way for the Queens with 19 points – including two buzzer beaters – and 8 rebounds as the side ended their five-game losing streak.
New signings Carolina Marques and Shanice Turner also proved to be crucial to Gloucester City’s success, with 16 points and 12 points to their name, respectively.
The visitors were fast out the gates, with nine straight points giving them an early lead, but the Queens would rally as an Osas-Maxwell buzzer beater saw the hosts only trailing by four.
The second quarter undeniably belonged to Jay Marriott’s side, with a 20-3 run to end the quarter giving the Queens a 33-28 lead at half time.
The game stayed close for the third quarter, with the sides trading lay-ups to end the ten minutes as a one-possession game, but with the hosts trailing 51-49.
This set us up for tense fourth and final quarter, and we certainly were not disappointed as the lead swapped twice before Gloucester City got a grip of the game.
A pair of Claire Abbott free throws and a clutch three-pointer from Osas-Maxwell made it a two-possession game, as the Queens headed into the closing minute with a five-point lead.
After numerous fouls from the Wildcats the home side were able to stretch their lead out and see the game off with free throws from new signings Marques and Turner, as well as veteran Alex Haley.
The Queens will be hoping to continue their momentum next month, when they take on Caledonia Pride at the Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym on February 20th.
For Queens head coach Jay Marriott’s thoughts on what was a richly deserved victory, check out the video below:
