Makana Stone went for 10 points and six rebounds in her first start as a pro. (Photo property Leicester Riders)
Undefeated as a starter.
After coming off the bench in her first six games as a professional basketball player, Coupeville grad Makana Stone made the jump to the front five Saturday in England.
And it paid off, as the former Wolf scored six of her 10 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Leicester Riders complete a stunning comeback to bounce the Newcastle Eagles 59-51.
The win lifts Stone and Co. to 2-2 in regular-season play in the Women’s British Basketball League, 5-2 overall, counting three wins in the WBBL Cup.
It wasn’t a cakewalk for Leicester, however, as the Riders came out cold and found themselves down 13-5 at the first break.
It wasn’t much better in the second quarter, either, as Newcastle continued to clamp down on defense, carrying a 28-16 advantage to the halftime break.
But something changed for Leicester in the second half, as it shaved away much of the deficit with an 18-10 run in the third, before hammering the Eagles to a 25-13 tune in the final frame.
Stone hit a layup and a pair of twine-tickling jumpers down the stretch, with her final bucket staking the Riders to a 52-47 lead they wouldn’t give up.
Leicester hit seven of eight free throws after their American assassin connected, not allowing Newcastle to creep back into the game.
Stone snatched six rebounds and made off with a steal to go with her 10 points, while teammate Hannah Robb scorched the nets for a game-high 23 points.
Along with getting the start, Coupeville’s progeny also played almost a full 39 minutes in a 40-minute contest, her longest run as a pro.
On the season, Stone has rung up 51 points, 48 rebounds, 11 assists, and four steals.
Leicester returns to action next Saturday, Oct. 30, when it clashes with the Caledonia Pride.
Coupeville Sports 
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