Team Solent Suns head coach CJ Lee was “buzzing” after his women’s side reached the finals of the English Basketball National League play-offs with a narrow 56-53 win over Sheffield Hallam Hatters in their last-four tie at St Mary’s Sports Centre.

In a gripping tie, Lee’s side won against the Northern League champions in front of a bumper crowd, despite being under strength.

After dismantling Cardiff Archers 83-40 to reach the quarter-finals and win Midlands South West Division Two, the Suns produced a fantastic display to coast past London Westside to reach the last four.

They’ve now gone one better and have set a final date at the EIS Centre in Sheffield where they will face Oaklands College Wolves, who beat Oxford 60-50 in the other semi final.

“I’m still buzzing from the semi-final win,” admitted Lee.

“It was an amazing team effort in beating a strong challenge from a formidable Sheffield team.

“We are off to the finals next weekend!

“It was a great team effort and there was fantastic local support.”

It was an exciting match that went all the way to the wire.

The Suns were leading and looked in the driving seat in the first-half.

However, Sheffield, who chairman Matt Bishop knew would be a tough game, staged a fight back in the third quarter.

That meant that the Southampton Solent University outfit, which merged with local team Solent Suns two seasons ago, had to hold onto a narrow lead in a nerve-shredding finale.

But, in the end, they completed a gritty victory.