CoLA defend WNBL D1 Playoff title in finals repeat

City of London Academy defended their Division 1 Playoff title with a 62-50 win over Ipswich in the final on Sunday at the NBPC in Manchester.

In a repeat of last year’s final against Ipswich, CoLA got it done for their third playoff crown in the last four years and fifth overall with groups made up of predominantly teenagers.

Ayla Habbal picked up MVP honours, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Adaora Dioramma had a 15-point, 11-rebound double double and Monife Abidekun added 14 points.

“Super proud,” Head Coach Jackson gibbons said post-game.

“The girls have been brilliant this season, minimal controversy, they’re teenagers, we go through teething pains. We had two girls go through season ending injuries which we wanted to celebrate, but honestly they’ve been a joy. Sometimes we have some culture stuff go on but they’ve been fantastic.

“We’ve been riddled with adversity with health and different things so super proud they could overcome it. Credit to Ipswich they’re a fantastic team, they push us all the way.

“Every year we have different groups, we re-tool and start again and I’m particularly proud of this group because of their maturity and willingness to buy in and be invested, so yeah really good group and a great way to finish the Division 1 season.”

Harriet Welham led Ipswich with 16 points and Louisa Gibbins had 13 as the Suffolk club were held to just 26% shooting, including 8% (2/24) from three-point range.

Box score.

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