The Varsity Basketball tournament action saw an exciting game get things heated up at the Wits Old Mutual Sports Hall, when the University of Cape Town continued their great run of form by beat the University of KwaZulu Natal 79-54, keeping their chances alive for a semi-final spot that will take place on Sunday (tomorrow) afternoon.
UCT have been the team on the rise in the tournament, after suffering narrow defeats in their opening two games. The men from the Cape have looked stronger and stronger as the tournament had progressed and currently look to be one of the wildcards in the competition. UKZN have also looked like revived team, and the loss against UCT would have definitely hurt them but they will be expected to bounce back, with a place in the semi-finals still being within their grasp.
The first quarter was an intense tussle between two teams that were looking eclipse one another on the table, with that fourth spot on the log still up for the taking. UCT were however the better starters in the quarter, with Kyle Maclean being clinical, bagging 10 points, to see his side 16-12 up. The second quarter belonged to UCT, who continued where they left off in the first, scoring 29 points as opposed to UKZN’S 13 in the quarter. Siphumle Qanya, who has done exceptionally well so far for UCT was on hand once more to make it a show for those in attendance. At the break the teams went in for the huddle with the Capetonians leading 45-25.
The 20-point deficit set up by UCT in the first two quarters, was maybe already a leap too far for the men from Durban in a battle that already proved tough. The third quarter however brought out the best in UKZN, who competed at their best in the ‘championship quarter’ which was unfortunately not up to par with UCT despite a valiant individual effort Thabo Sithole. The fourth quarter was the period where UKZN were eventually able to meet UCT at a level pegging, which saw the teams cancel each other out, scoring 11 points apiece. At the conclusion of the game, UCT ran out comfortable 79-54 winners, edging themselves closer to securing a spot in the semi-final.
Score
UCT 79-54 UKZN
Teams
UCT: 3. Siphumle Qanya, 6. Kyle Maclean, 8. Change Gatere, 10. Brian Aliam, 11. Joshua Phiri, 13. Mutsa Bingandani, 15. Patrice Menda, 20. Jamal Fernandes, 33. Duncan Nicholson, 45. Buhle Bhopela
UKZN: 0. Lehlohonolo Mhlongo, 5. Zolani Khuzwayo, 6. Thobelani Msimang, 7. Thabo Sithole, 8. Siyethemba Ciliza, 10. Kenan Davidson, 12. Mesuli Zondi, 13. Jean Amisi, 15. Nkanyiso Ntombela, 23. Bubele Monakali
By S’fiso Nyawo
