In a highly physical game in their regional division, the Light Blues paced themselves perfectly, saving their best basketball for the final five minutes.

Oxford’s defence aimed to limit space in the paint throughout, even when it took fouls to do so. The Dark Blues’ resolute defence demanded an aggressive Cambridge attack, and the Light Blues became more direct as the game progressed.

The teams were evenly matched until late in the fourth quarter, despite scoring bursts from Cambridge’s sharp-shooter Charlotte Dawson and centre Liz Roe.

Cambridge entered the final five minutes with a one-point lead. Inspired individual performances galvanised the Light Blues for the remaining play. A high-arching Mie Monti floater kicked things off. A strong defensive possession later and Cambridge, now holding a three-point lead, were back up the court.

Then Onintze Zaballa, crowning a stellar performance, went on a scoring rampage, scoring eight points without reply. A dizzying drive was rewarded with two points, before a dagger-three, the pick of her points, shattered all hopes of an Oxford comeback.

Ahead of two further clashes with Oxford — one more in the league, and then the Varsity match — this is a hallmark victory for the Light Blues.