The fourth round of the Varsity Basketball tournament got underway with a game between the Tshwane University of Technology and the Madibaz, which in the end saw TUT snap their winless streak in a tightly contested encounter that saw ‘Bafana baPitori’ clinch it 53-45 at the Wits Old Mutual Sports Hall.
Both teams going into the game have found it very difficult to get wins, on the first two days of the tournament, after three attempts each. TUT, however, have featured in some close games, with the Madibaz seemingly struggling even though it may be debated that they have already played out their games against the tournaments favourites, the likes of VUT, Wits and UJ.
The first quarter was however contradictory to the prematch speculation, with the Madibaz getting the better start, leading the Pretorians 7-1. The second quarter was a quick turn around for TUT, who seemed to get into their stride more, opting to attack the Madibaz defensive zones through the compact centre. This ploy seemed to work out very well, even affording the men from Tshwane space for three-point jump shots and lay ups from much closer. The players went into the break with TUT coming back to edge the Madibaz 21-18.
The third quarter saw a much improved performance from the Madibaz, although TUT remained consistent, scoring 20 points in the quarter, repeating the feat from the second quarter. The Madibaz would have hoped to do a lot better but the teams went into the final quarter with the score at 41-32.
With it all to play for in the fourth quarter, the Madibaz knew they had to out play TUT, if they were serious about getting their first win. The Madibaz went out and played a quarter reminiscent of the first, out scoring TUT but unfortunately fell short in the end, with the buzzer sounding seeing TUT celebrate after a game for the first time in the tournament, whilst it was further doom and gloom for the Madibaz with the score at 53-45.
Score
TUT 53-45 Madibaz
Teams
TUT: 4. J. Karume, 7. M. Manamela, 9. T. Legoabe, 10. L. Makinta, 11. T. Motshweni, 12. N. Mamabolo, 13. C. Matondo, 14. B. Mola, 17. B. Nguema, 18. K. Morake, 20. U. Mashau, 21. L. Tshikonelo
Madibaz: 4. Kgotsietsile Itshegetseng, 5. Leselo Mohale, 6. Gregory Reid, 7. Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, 8. George Mabata, 9. Thembelani Mangwana, 10. Shingirayi Matunhira, 11. Elton Rebaone, 12. Takudzwanashe Tigere, 13. Yusrie Astrie, 15. Denny Mahachi, 16. Khayelihle Ngema
By S’fiso Nyawo
