Photo Credit – Anthony Furina (Via Adelaide University)
3-Minute Read
Women
The Waatu Women started their season in sensational fashion with a convincing 83-52 win over newcomers the University of Newcastle (UON) in the first game of the day.
Led from the front by new Norwood Flames starter Caitlin Shillabeer (Physiotherapy) – they jumped out to a 10-2 start before the UON team led by their NBL1 East Newcastle Falcons Charlotte Cougle helped them back into the game 15-10. A quick run from the Waatu led by Eastern Mavericks Claire Hunter (Oral Health) splash them to a 20-12 advantage at the first change.
The second term under returning coach Lachlan Coppick started ideally for the home side with six Waatu players scoring four or more for the term as they rolled out a 14-0 run on UON. Dealing with injuries to key players early like Chloe Fraser and Cougle (10 points and nine rebounds) – the players through new coach Delion Sims rallied back with Georgia Bickhoff starting to show her potential. The Waatu’s 27-12 quarter putting them in a strong position with Scarlett Miles (Laws – Philosophy, Politics and Economics) taking advantage in her return to action this season as they led 47-24 at the main break.
The third quarter was scrappy as UON brought a defensive edge to the contest, but the Waatu also brought their hardened nature in the second half. Meaza Otto (Health/Medical Sciences) filling presecriptions on small opportunities to keep the Waatu very much in control 55-35 with one to play.
The Waatu women have been starved of success in recent years and that was not going to see them let this one slip. Every answer UON threw at them through Bickhoff (18 points and six steals with five rebounds) and Boston Pate (14 points with three assists and rebounds) who emerged in the second half was counteracted. Chloe Gray (Primary Education) and other fringe NBL1, Reserves and Youth players helping the Waatu women pass their first assignment guiding them to an 83-52 in the finish.
Shillabeer was the Player of the Game with 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists and steals to lead the way for the Waatu backed up by Gray with 13 points and seven rebounds.
Men
The Waatu Men faced a different prospect with a couple of significantly strong NBL1 East players – the talented group held their own for three quarters but the fourth proved to be the downfall as they went down to UON in it’s inaugural match 78-97.
UON started strong through Waratah League star Jude Jennings and along with Central Coast Crusader Alex Bailey swinging it in the away sides favour. The Waatu striking back though through Bailey Nathan (Computer Science) as they levelled it up 18-16 at the first change.
A high scoring second term entertained the crowd at the State Basketball Centre going toe-to-toe and basket for basket. North Adelaide Rockets Angus Crosby (Physiotherapy) announced his skill set early with a 10-point term but the big man from UON in Angus Seymour (10 for the term) and Cooper Harris (11 for the term) snuck UON in front at the main change 48-50.
The game remained tight in the third with Bailey Nathan continuing to hit the scoreboard and Harry Bruce (Commerce) was business as usual from his range as well. UON however kept lifting through Jude Jennings and Bailey again to have them just behind the Waatu 71-70 with one to play.
The cream of the inaugural UON rose to the top on the fourth as the Waatu’s scoring dried up against the Todd Turner led team. Head coach Scott Freer searching for answers turned to multiple familiar and new faces but UON”s 7-27 final term was too potent as they took their first victory in the new campaign 78-97.
While a tough first up assignment for the Men – Nathan’s return to the side yielded 19 points and five rebounds to be the Waatu’s player of the game. Crosby showing his scoring ability accumulating 14 points with seven rebounds.
Both teams would move on to play the UNISC team in the second of their opening round double header for the week.
Women – AU Waatu 83 (Shillabeer 14, Gray 13, Miles 10) defeated UON 52 (Bickhoff 18, Pate 14, Cougle 10)
Men – AU Waatu 78 (Nathan 19, Crosby 14, Hampel 11) defeated by UON 97 (J Jennings 27, Bailey 21, Harris 20)
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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