Photo Credit – Anthony Furina (Via Adelaide University)
3-Minute Read
Women
The Waatu Women were undone on day two of the season at home by a returning familiar face from University of Sunshine Coast (UNISC) as a second quarter push elevated the margin in their favour 55-66 at the State Basketball Centre.
A quick start led by Bella Heath saw UNISC out incredibly quick, but the Waatu fought back through Bella Woosnam (Exercise/Sports Science – Nutrition and Food Sciences) and Jemima Whitton (Viticulture/Oenology) as they close it to 9-13 at the first change.
Coach of UNISC Nathan Arousi (NBL1 North Brisbane Capitals) pulled a run of six from his chargers as his team consistently shared the scoring around. Former Forestville Eagle Terran Wright having the biggest impact for the away side across all areas of the floor. Another 0-8 run making the Waatu’s task even tougher at the main break in the low scoring affair 19-32 but still very much in the contest.
Third term saw the Waatu mix it up through Whitton and Meaza Otto (Health/Medical Sciences) hitting the hoops needed to keep them in touch. Jazmin Blundell dropped a couple of key points for the UNISC crew to hold their 36-49 advantage with one to play.
The last term belonged to Wright though as she overcame any challenge thrown at her by the Waatu as they unfortunately fell short 55-66 in the finish.
Wright was the standout with 15 points at 71 percent, 13 rebounds and six assists along with Heath who accumulated 17 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Georgia Berry also grabbed a double double with 11 points and 13 rebounds with five assists. The Waatu were led by Whitton as she produced 14 points and seven rebounds with Woosnam getting her best numbers in her debut season with 11 points and seven rebounds.
Men
The Waatu Men bounce back after a disappointing final term the previous day as they downed the UNISC 88-80 in a highly entertaining contest at the State Basketball Centre.
A good start was achieved out of the first tip-off with Ayual Garang (Architectural Design) playing his third match within 24 hours as the Central Districts Lions roared early to give the Waatu a slight edge. The big imposing presence of James O’Hara however though a 0-10 run brought scores level 23-23 after the first stanza.
The game remained extremely tight but both teams had their moment – The Waatu first with a 0-7 run of their own got plenty through Angus Crosby (Physiotherapy) and Thomas Mestrov (Banking/Finance- Mathematics/Computer Science) to cash in on a 32-28 advantage. RJ Spicer and O’Hara helping UNISC back into the contest 39-39 at half time.
With only five points between them in the first half – Bailey Nathan (Computer Science) and Emil Kourani (Occupational Therapy) recalibrated their shot making abilities with great success. Nathan with nine points for the term and Kourani with six of his own shifting the momentum in the Waatu’s favour 27-19 for the quarter. Mestrov took care of O’Hara keeping him quiet. Only Spicer and a huge dunk from Oyin Oguntoyinbo keeping UNISC in it 66-58 with one to play.
Oyin continued to be a problem in the fourth term for the Waatu but so was Nathan and Kourani along with Crosby as neither team could break the in-term deadlock. The Waatu closing it out in strong fashion to split their first week of the season 1-1. Mestrov’s finishing touches bringing it to an 88-80 final note for the match.
Player of the Game was Bailey Nathan who’s impact after half time was immeasurable hitting a timely 15 points for the half with five triples and five rebounds but not far behind him was Kourani with 20 points with six triples, 10 rebounds and three assists. Mestrov was equally impressive with 14 points and 14 rebounds while Crosby backed up his total the following day with another 14 points and five rebounds.
Both teams move on to play one of the strongest in the competition traditionally in Randy Shanklin’s Latrobe University (LTU) in Round Two action of the UBL.
Women – AU Waatu 55 (Whitton 14, Woosnam 11, Otto 10) defeated by UNISC 66 (Heath 17, Wright 15, Berry 11)
Men – AU Waatu 88 (Kourani 20, Nathan 15, Crosby, Mestrov 14) defeated UNISC 80 (O’Hara 24, Spicer 22, Oyin Oguntoyinbo 12)
Catch all the action from this Wednesday August 13 from 10:45am ACDT on the UBL website and stay tuned to the crossoverdribble for match reports and features throughout the season.
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