Sheffield overpower Caledonia to claim quadruple

Sheffield Hatters claimed a domestic quadruple, defeating Caledonia Gladiators 73-66 in the Super League Basketball play-off final at the O2 Arena.

Having won the Trophy, Cup and Championship this season, the Hatters dominated from the first whistle.

Antoinette Lewis scored nine first-quarter points as the Gladiators struggled to get into attacking zones, being too often forced to shoot from beyond the three-point line.

The game opened up in the second quarter, but frustration built for the Gladiators as Sheffield increased their lead to 14 thanks to scores from Jess Eadsforth-Yates and Nina Krisper.

The Gladiators were hurt by conceding 17 turnovers in the first half and tried to move the ball more quickly after the half-time interval, but a lack of accuracy and tenacious Hatters' defence helped the Yorkshire team to pull away from their opponents.

League MVP Megan Mullings was a constant thorn in the Gladiators' side, breaking up multiple attacks before scoring herself to increase the lead to 17 points.

But in a highly entertaining final quarter the Gladiators struck back.

Following a flurry of baskets from Tess Amundsen and Anastasia Warren, they came within three points of their opponents with two minutes remaining, but the Hatters held on for victory to cap a historic season.