DAY two of the Senior NBL Playoff Finals delivered incredible drama, officially crowning this year’s Division One champions. The day tipped off with a massive upset in the WNBL1 showcase, followed by a hard-fought NBL1 clash that cemented a historic treble.
WNBL1 Playoff Final: Anglia Ruskin University Stuns London Cavaliers (78-56)
In a stunning upset, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) captured their first playoff title since the 2018/19 season by dismantling the top-seeded, regular-season champion London Cavaliers. ARU, a team that averaged 32.4 three-point attempts during the regular season, established their perimeter game immediately. Seven of their first eight shots were from beyond the arc. Clinging to a narrow 33-28 lead at halftime, Ruskin blew the game wide open in the third quarter. Sinking three consecutive triples to start the half, they outscored London 31-13 in the frame to put the championship out of reach.
Just as impressive as their offense was ARU’s stifling defense. They held a potent Cavaliers squad—who averaged 76.6 points per game this season—to a mere 56 points. Captain and game MVP Ilaria Zaffaroni led all scorers with 25 points, knocking down four of the team’s 11 three-pointers. She was supported by Vicky Gray, who added a vital 19 points, and Tia Freeman, who stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals. Forward Faye Parker anchored the paint with 11 points and 9 boards.
On the other side of the court, London’s D1W Team of the Year selection, Chinwe Iwunze, was limited to just eight points by ARU’s relentless hustle. Janice Monakana (22 points, 8 rebounds) and Mrashi Karumba-Roberts (18 points, 10 rebounds) were the only Cavaliers to reach double figures. The loss marks a bitter end to the season for London, adding a second finals loss to their record following January’s heart-breaking defeat in the WNBL National Cup Final.
NBL1 Playoff Final: Solent Kestrels Outlast Worcester Wolves (74-66)
The Solent Kestrels capped off a perfect domestic campaign, defeating the Worcester Wolves 74-66 to secure the league, cup, and playoff treble. It marks their first D1M title since 2021/22. The final was a fitting clash between the top two teams from the regular season. Solent relied heavily on their depth to outpace a dogged and resilient Worcester squad, building leads approaching 15 points in both the second and fourth quarters. The Wolves fiercely battled back each time, threatening a massive comeback.
Ultimately, Head Coach Guymon’s squad shut the door. Their shared offensive load was the difference-maker, with six different Kestrels scoring at least six points to push the South coast program over the finish line. Andre Arissol earned MVP honors with a game-high 19 points and four assists, winning his personal duel against Worcester’s regular-season MVP. Young guard Ethan Round chipped in a crucial 16 points, while Wayne Kitenge provided a massive spark off the bench with 4 points, 8 rebounds, and a +10 plus/minus.
Despite falling short, Wilfrid Santhe led Worcester’s effort with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, supported closely by Emmanuel Yeboah’s 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Regular-season MVP Earl Burgess was successfully contained by the Kestrels’ defense, finishing with just seven points in the loss.
