The third game of the Varsity Basketball tournament finals weekend, was one that was much anticipated, where Wits University dismantled the University of Pretoria 85-49, to remain the team to beat in the tournament so far at the Wits Old Mutual Sports Hall.
Wits have been fortunate to play in front of their supporters as the hosts of the first Varsity Basketball tournament, which they have used to keep them without a loss thus far. Tuks have not been quite as fortunate, although still with a great chance to progress to the next round of the competition. This game would have been a great opportunity for the men from Pretoria to advance closer to the last four, with a win for Wits seeing them cement their spot at the summit of the log.
Wits were without a shadow of doubt the favourites to take this one, but Tuks made it difficult for them in the first quarter, putting in a big effort to keep Angelo Quinn and his teammates from playing their fast paced free flowing game that many would have become accustomed to. The quarter was closed off with the Witsies just edging Tuks 12-8.
The second quarter seemed to bring about a change in tactics from Wits, going forward, who opened up the Tuks defence before quickly shifting the ball into the centre of the court, for the likes of Miguel Ferrao and Everisto Passipamere to basket. Those tactics proved to work well, with both men managing to provide slam dunks each and see Wits off to a 26-17 lead at the midway point.
The third quarter saw a bit of a resurrection from Tuks, with Tshidiso Matebesi working overtime in defence and in attack for the Pretorians. Thamsanqa Nyawo and Kgotseng Makena had their moments of magic in this quarter as well, bagging points that saw the quarter end with Wits still enjoying the lead, this time with the score being 59-45.
The fourth quarter saw the momentum heavily with Wits, who were also intercepting Tuks attacks and running off to often score off the rebound. Time eventually ran out on the clock with Tuks’ Makena in possession of the ball, running time down with Wits securing a 85-49 win.
Score
Wits 85-49 TUKS
Teams
Wits: 4. Angelo Quinn, 5. Mvelo Buthelezi, 6. Kgaugelo Sathekge, 7. Briarley Klaasen, 8. Thamsanqa Nyawo, 9. Kgotseng Makena, 10. Clinton Meela, 11. Makoye Mapani, 12. Miguel Ferrao, 13. Everisto Passipamere, 14. David Mbamalu, 15. Kgotso Ntuane
Tuks: 4. Tshidiso Matebesi, 5. Lungelo Dlamini, 6. Brandon Dick, 7. Otshepegile Msiza, 8. Rufaro Warinda, 9. Manelisi Mthiyane, 10. Braydon Wooley, 11. Cody Samuels, 12. Louis Motaung, 13. Akinbiyi Odunlade, 14. Adrian Geldenhuys, 15. Ludwig Gerdes
By S’fiso Nyawo
