A double success would fill Bunten with Pride
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
CHRIS Bunten is confident Team Northumbria can overcome border raiders Caledonia Pride twice in three days and deliver the perfect early Christmas present to the Sport Central faithful.
A confidence-boosting 79-60 WBBL win against Oaklands Wolves proved to be the perfect preparation for Friday’s live BBC clash against the Scottish franchise (5.00).
Bunten already has one eye on Sunday’s rematch, with a place in the 2018 BBL Cup final at stake.
TN’s playcaller said: “I cannot speak for the Pride but our focus is making the first final of the season and contesting silverware.
“With that in mind I suspect Friday’s match might see both teams keeping their cards close to their chest and at the same time trying out a few different tactics.
“It is a match both teams will be desperate to win - especially as it is being streamed live by the BBC and is part of the build-up to Newcastle Eagles’ biggest match of the season.
“There is no doubt we want a shot at silverware and a win on Sunday will give us that opportunity.”
TN are steadily climbing the WBBL Championship table, the club’s new signings settling in and latest addition Hannah Shaw offering an exciting alternative.
The GB international completed her move to Tyneside last week and made her debut at the Wolves.
However, it was Swedish international Evelyn Ovner who hit the headlines with an eye-catching TN high of 22 points.
Bunten added: “I love coaching a player like Evelyn.
“She is so determined and so focused and I think she will respond positively to Hannah coming in.
“There is real competition for places now but the players complement each other really well.
“I think they can see the potential this team has.
“Evelyn has really found her feet in the WBBL and her performance against the Wolves was excellent.
“She still has things to work on but that is why I love coaching her she soaks up everything I tell her.”
TN should be at full strength for the Pride double-header, the visitors finding form in their second season in the WBBL.
Caledonia’s 3-3 league record puts them one place below TN in an increasingly competitive league