Thunder dent Mavericks' top four hopes in second-half comeback

Thunder dent Mavericks’ top four hopes in second-half comeback

The London Mavericks lost to AO Manchester Thunder 60-47, diminishing their top-four ambitions. The Mavericks initially led 30-22 but struggled in the third quarter, particularly after Emma Thacker’s injury. Thunder capitalised, scoring 23 points in that quarter and maintaining their lead to secure victory. Mavericks remain fifth, while Thunder moves to second.

Isabelle Martin

April 26, 2026

2–3 minutes

London Mavericks suffer a hit to their bid for top four after AO Manchester Thunder overcame them in a 60-47 victory at the Brighton Centre.

The Mavericks took a surprise 30-22 lead at the halfway stage but Thunder managed to mount a comeback in the third quarter and run away with affairs.

After the first quarter, the Mavericks lead 15-11 thanks to two AMEX Super Shots from Emma Thacker late on.

At the halfway mark, London Mavericks had extended their lead and earned an eight-point advantage. It was 22-15 before Thunder were forced into calling a timeout. By the end of the quarter, the Mavericks were up 30-22.

In the third quarter though, the game flipped on its head and Thunder took the lead for the first time. Mavericks were stunned after Emma Thacker’s injury, which happened less than a minute into the quarter.

The Englishwoman tripped over Taylor McKevitt and appeared to injure her shoulder. Following a short delay, Thacker left the pitch in clear discomfort and was later spotted on the bench icing her shoulder.

Thacker’s injury seemed to affect the Mavericks, who couldn’t get going in the third quarter. Thunder pulled it back to 34-30, forcing the Mavericks into calling a tactical timeout.

Momentum was building for the visitors, who had levelled the score at 37-37 with 3 minutes 30 seconds left on the clock.

In those closing minutes, the visitors bombarded the Mavericks’ net and ended the quarter 45-37 up. That quarter saw Thunder net 23 points, compared to the Mavericks’ seven.

While the hosts had a few decent chances in the third quarter, including during the final five minutes when in Super Shot positions, they could not capitalise.

London Mavericks continued to struggle going forward in the final quarter, while Thunder built on their lead.

With five minutes remaining, Thunder were 55-41 up and the game was pretty much all over. Eleanor Cardwell put the nail in the coffin with a Super Shot.

Despite two late Super Shots of their own for the Mavericks, the final score was 60-47.

The result sees the Mavericks remain fifth on 10 points while visitors Thunder leapfrog London Pulse into second place on 22 points. The Mavericks will look to bounce back against the Leeds Rhinos next week.

Post-match, Player of the Match Jamie Golob reflected on her side’s top four chances following the defeat. She said: “We are so hungry to get into that top four. The fight is still there, we just need to stick to our structure and hopefully that will be enough.”