The second game of the finals weekend of the Varsity Basketball tournament, saw the University of KwaZulu-Natal run rampant against the Madibza 115-41 at the Wits Old Mutual Sports Hall in Johannesburg.
The Madibaz have struggled to get a win so far in the tournament, losing the first four games they have played in. This game was an opportunity for the men from the Windy City, to try get one over UKZN, who haven’t been convincing themselves just managing two wins. Going into the dual, the men from Durban were definitely the favourites to take it, which they did fairly comfortably in the end.
The match up got underway with both sides looking fairly rusty, but that was quickly cleared, with UKZN shifting into gear to take a gritty 18-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Madibaz looked far off the pace in the second quarter, especially in attack, where they only managed to bag a three-pointer and just a 2 pointer. UKZN on the other side continued in the same vein, adding a further 18 points, courtesy of ‘Mr Consistency’ Thabo Sithole, who kept to his form of being the best in the tournament so far in converting his shots at the hoops into points. At the interval, it was UKZN who lead 36-13.
The third quarter really saw UKZN come out all guns blazing, with the Madibaz finding it difficult to contain the high press from the Durbanites. The score eventually saw UKZN build up a mammoth 71-23 lead with a quarter to go. The final quarter was all about game management and making sure the distance remained that way, which UKZN had no problem upholding, even though the Madibaz Gregory Reid proved to be troublesome for them during the power play.
That was however not a problem in the end, with UKZN easily thrashing the Madibaz 115-41.
Score
UKZN 115-41 Madibaz
Teams
UKZN: 0. Lehlohonolo Mhlongo, 5. Zolani Khuzwayo, 6. Thobelani Msimang, 7. Thabo Sithole, 8. Siyethemba Ciliza, 10. Kenan Davidson, 12. Mesuli Zondi, 13. Jean Amisi, 15. Nkanyiso Ntombela, 23. Bubele Monakali
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
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