Oaklands Wolves will look to get that WBBL winning feeling in 2018 after starting the year with a loss away to Leicester Riders.
They welcome Manchester Mystics to Oaklands College on Saturday for a 3.45pm tip-off.
Manchester took the win on their home court back in November 69-61, surviving a late comeback from the Wolves on the road
Wolves’ cause won’t be helped by the loss of Canadian Kellie Ring, who has had to return home after injury ended her season when she tore her ACL in the home game against Nottingham in December.
The St Albans-based basketball franchise are still hoping to sign a replacement before the transfer deadline at the end of January as they push for a playoff spot in 2018.
Coach Lee Ryan said: “It was a tough end to 2017 for the team. Just as we started finding our rhythm we lose our captain to injury.
“But the break gave us a chance to regroup and we will look to bring in someone shortly.
“Manchester are a tough team with lots of experience but we have a real chance.
“If we can start well our youth and high tempo will cause them problems down the stretch.
“The new year brings opportunities for players to step up. Lizzy Harrison did that last week with her 19 points in Leicester.
“We need others to follow.”
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