Manchester Basketball took an impressive 97-88 victory against the Essex Rebels in the Women’s SLB Championship.

Frannie Hottinger led the team with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Meanwhile, Tiarra East had 22 points and 7 rebounds, dominating the paint in 35 minutes of action.

Maaja Bratka had a 14-point double-double by grabbing 11 rebounds, and Veera Pirttinen in a productive evening for Manchester’s starters.

By shooting 47% from the field, Manchester had a more efficient game from the field in order to take the victory. The Rebels had no answer for the host’s physicality in the paint. Even a 27 and 7 night from Essex’s Nat Chou wasn’t enough to get the better of Manchester.

The third quarter was the difference between the teams, as only one point separated them at halftime. Manchester closed the quarter with an 11-0 run led by East to give them an eight point led.

Eight points became 12 midway through the fourth as Manchester were able to hold the Rebels at arm’s length. Pirttinen’s three-point shooting proved to be a deadly weapon as the clock ticked down to zero.

The win is Manchester’s third of the Championship season, as they improve their record to 3-4.

Manchester are on the road for their next action, as they face the Newcastle Eagles on Saturday, January 24 at 7.30pm.