The Super League Basketball Women (SLBW) season is now at the Semi-Final stage of the Playoffs. The Sheffield Hatters face a tough test against the impressive Oaklands Wolves.

Date: Saturday, May 9th     Tipoff: 7pm     Venue: Canon Medical Arena

After two convincing victories, the Sheffield Hatters and the Oaklands Wolves will meet again for the second time in three weeks.

This is the one team the Hatters would have wished to avoid in the postseason. Oaklands will hold onto the hope of a shock victory after defeating their opponents 71-65 to close out the regular season in style.

However, Sheffield will not dwell on the past, especially as their deadliest weapons were not utilised to the same extent as they will on Saturday evening.

The Wolves will require another big playoff performance from Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant (14 points, three stocks) and Shanice Beckford-Norton (13 points, eight rebounds, five assists) if they wish to book their place in a second consecutive Playoff Final.

Key Players

Sheffield Hatters: Megan Mullings

While Grace Graham stole the show during Sheffield’s Quarter-Final demolition of the Nottingham Wildcats, it is hard to look past Megan Mullings for a big performance.

Despite only scoring 2-from-12 field goal attempts during the victory, Mullings still snatched 15 boards — eight of which were offensive rebounds, providing the Hatters with the second-chance opportunities to establish an insurmountable lead.

This is the effect Mullings can have on the game when she is not having an efficient night. However, I do not expect lightning to strike twice, and the brilliant forward will propel her team to victory.

Oaklands Wolves: Shanice Beckford-Norton

There will be two vital elements to the Oaklands Wolves snatching victory on the road at Sheffield. Dominance on the boards and quick transition offence — Shanice Beckford-Norton can provide both.

Of course, Dani McCray’s role in this tactic will be important, but the sheer pace of Beckford Norton will be pivotal in striking the Hatters before they can set themselves defensively.

Much like Mullings, Beckford-Norton struggled with efficiency in the win over the Newcastle Eagles (29% from the floor); it is hard to believe these shooting woes will follow her into this fixture.

Prediction: Sheffield Hatters

Player of the Game: Megan Mullings