UJ were chasing Madibaz from as early as the first 10 minutes and couldn’t quite catch the Eastern Cape side, as the visitors held on for a 58-50 win at UJ Sports Hall in Johannesburg on Monday night.
It was an even contest in the opening exchanges as the two sides added points Madibaz soon pulled ahead 7-5 thanks to great work and clinical finishing by goal scorer Nolisindiso Twani. The first quarter ended 14-9 to Madibaz as they extended their lead to five points.
The match resumed as the goal defence on either side was resolute and the attacking moves by both teams were thwarted. Quality finishing by Madibaz ensured that their five-point cushion soon grew to seven. Jodie Brown was a standout performer in defence for UJ, doing all she could to keep her side in the match, but entering into the final quarter the score was 41-36 to Madibaz, as they maintained their lead.
But Madibaz didn’t buckle. Their attack capitalised on the great defensive work and punished UJ, taking their opportunities to put points on the board. The match ended 58-50 as Madibaz earned a maximum five points on the road in the opening match.
Although UJ lost, they did earn themselves a bonus point for accumulating 50 points.
Final score: UJ 50 – 58 Madibaz
FNB Player of the Match: Eloise Webb (Madibaz)
Teams:
UJ: Deancke Rohde, Kim-Roche Holmes, Ntombizodwa Yengwa, Nhlamulo Mhlari, Angelique Molefe, Jodie Brown, Christell Botha, Courtney Davis, Karabo Mokoena, Nompumelelo Mbonambi, Ntokozo Ramaremisa, Lebogang Malahlela
Madibaz: Eloise Webb, Sanelise Mgijima, Arne Rust, Hlumisa Sithonga, Nandipha Jack, Hadrin Tenteni, Nolisindiso Twani, Bianca Blom, Sibubele Mandeka, Melodine Jacobs, Philene van Niekerk, Riana Buys
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