In what promises to be one of the most tightly contested matchups of the Super League Basketball Women (SLBW) Playoffs’ opening weekend, the Oaklands Wolves host the Newcastle Eagles.

Date: Saturday, May 2nd     Tipoff: 5pm     Venue: Oaklands College Sportszone

Despite flying high at the start of their SLBW Championship campaign, the Newcastle Eagles finished below the Oaklands Wolves in the regular-season standings.

However, both teams possess the talent and versatility to pose serious problems for the Sheffield Hatters and the Caledonia Gladiators, who are expected to be top contenders to lift the Playoff Final Trophy.

Coming off the back of a final-day victory over the Hatters, Oaklands will have a chip on their shoulder and will feel like they can defeat any opponent put in front of them.

The Wolves accumulated 13 wins throughout the 2025-26 season, and the devastating combination of Shanice Beckford-Norton and Danni McCray has become a problem that few defences have an answer for.

Newcastle boast their own stars and has had a fantastic season in its own right. After uncovering a potential MVP candidate in Andrea Daley, the Eagles claimed 11 wins on the season but have had their roster decimated by injury issues.

Key Players:

Oaklands Wolves: Danni McCray

To claim a victory in this matchup, Danni McCray must be at her brilliant best on both sides of the ball — especially with their opponents fielding physical players such as Daley and Jada Dapaa.

McCray has scored 12.1 points, seven rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. It will be important that the star forward showcases her telepathic connection with Beckford-Norton to expose the Eagles in transition.

Newcastle Eagles: Andrea Daley

If Andrea Daley is not awarded the MVP trophy, she will be extremely disappointed after the fantastic season she has had — leading seven of the statistical rankings.

Daley has averaged a stunning 23.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.8 steals per game. The 23-year-old has become one of Newcastle’s primary ball handlers, displaying a dangerous coast-to-coast ability that strikes fear into the heart of any defender.

Prediction: Oaklands Wolves

Player of the Game: Danni McCray