The Varsity Basketball tournament saw its first upset in the second game of the third round of action, where the University of Cape Town rose to the occasion very late on to stun the 2018 USSA basketball champions, the Vaal University of Technology 80-74.
VUT had enjoyed a three match winning streak so far in the tournament, without having tasted defeat since the games began. UCT haven’t been as fortunate, losing all three of their opening three encounters. Ahead of the clash with VUT, UCT had to look to get something out of it in order to finish the weekend off strong ahead of next weeks action.
The game started off in a manner that was expected, with Anthony Chukwubuka and teammates seeing VUT off to a fairly decent start that saw them finish the first quarter leading 25-18. Siphumle Qanya and his charges however had other plans in the second quarter, coming out firing in all cylinders with Mutsa Bingandani, Brian Aliam and Kyle Maclean being particularly involved in pushing UCT to bagging 15 points putting them within 1 point of VUT going into the break.
The third quarter saw VUT enjoying a little bit more possession, seeing them out score UCT once more with the score at 51-46 to the men from the Vaal with a quarter to go. The final quarter was where the game was completely put on it head, with UCT producing their finest quarter in the tournament so far. Captain Siphumle Qanya showed great leadership by not just organizing his team and send out instructions from the coach but was incredible in delivering points as well that saw UCT for the first time in the tournament pick up hard fought 80-74 victory.
Score
UCT 80-74 VUT
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
VUT: 4. Jeft Mokwena, 5. Nkosinathi Festile, 6. Thabiso Magakabe, 7. Kolawole Ayodele, 8. Jan Makgota, 9. Christian Manoke, 10. Anthony Chukwubuka, 11. Abel Kalubi, 13. Richard Lubasi
By S’fiso Nyawo
