The last game that concluded round three matters at the Varsity Basketball tournament held at the Wits Old Mutual Sports Hall, saw the University of Johannesburg manage the game well, to eventually come out 53-37 winners against UKZN.
UKZN would have been looking to get back to winning ways after suffering a loss at the hands of Wits. The men from Durban had however managed to pick up a vital victory in the first round of action against TUT on Friday evening. UJ on the other hand would have looked to build on their late victory over UCT, this time around doing it without such a nervy finish.
The game started with UJ getting out of the starting blocks the quickest, enjoying a slender 13-6 lead at the conclusion of the first quarter. The Joburg outfits’ lead grew in the second quarter, with UKZN really struggling to keep their opponents close as they too often then not could not convert the attempts at the basket into points. UJ themselves weren’t at their best but they did enough to keep themselves in the lead, thanks to some clinical shooting from Lance Chikore, who was deadly with the lay-ups. Eventually the teams settled on going into the break, with the orange army 30-16 up.
The third quarter was evenly contested, with UKZN now seeming up for the challenge. This was, however, not the way to go in order to cut the deficit that was still in the way of them overcoming UJ. There were opportunities in the form of free throws awarded to UKZN, which they failed to convert, which meant the fourth quarter would still be an open contest with the score at 41-27.
With it all to play for UJ still remained on top of their game, getting on top of the UKZN defence, who defended well in large parts of the game. In the end, UJ’s slight edge over their KZN opponents shone through, to see them home and dry with a 53-37 win. The Varsity Basketball tournament continues tomorrow morning from 9.30am at the Wits Old Mutual Sports Hall.
Score
UJ 53-37 UKZN
Teams
UJ: 1. Manasse Kabasele, 2. Karabo Likotsi, 3. Gomolemo Mahuma, 8. Yves Mulwisa, 5. Mpumelelo Mahlati, 9. Sikhumbuzo Mthembu, 10. Peace Famudimo, 11. Nqosa Lehloenya, 12. Zett Mutongoza, 13. Trystan Speck, 14. Nathan Baruti, 15. Lance Chikore
UKZN: 0. Lehlohonolo Mhlongo, 5. Zolani Khuzwayo, 6. Thobelani Msimang, 7. Thabo Sithole, 8. Siyethemba Ciliza, 10. Kenan Davidson, 13. Jean Amisi, 15. Nkanyiso Ntombela, 23. Bubele Monakali
By S’fiso Nyawo
