Men's Basketball slam through to semi's
Thursday 28 February 2013
With UEL missing two of the regular 1st team players the first quarter was a tense affair with baskets being traded throughout the first five minutes. But mid-way through the first quarter a full court press by East London’s Coach Chris, put pressure on Kings and led to numerous steals for McGill and Will Ashby. Captain Ashby dutifully converted the steals into points to give UEL a 25- 15 lead at the end of the 1st quarter. Things settled in the 2nd quarter but the lead was extended to 20 points with some good finishing around the basket by Jamie Hayes and Henry Utku. Although, a let up of pressure from the East Londoners let the game slip to 43-31 at the end of the half as Kings attempted to regain a foothold in the game.
As the second half began it seemed evident whichever team started the strongest could gain the vital momentum in the match. But the exceptional defence and fast breaking prowess of the home team lead them into a 30-8 run at the 3rd quarter to put the game out of reach. During this run the pressure from Douglas Bennett and blocked shots from Jamie Hayes lead to the easy baskets on the break. In the 4th quarter the large home crowd began to celebrate as UEL continued to control every aspect of the game. The highlight of the final quarter was a barrage of 3 pointers from Ashby, Bennett, Hayes and Utku all making treys in the final quarter. Two thunderous dunks from Richard Lord, and great defence from Andrew Perry and Michael Hanson-Morris helped secure the massive 49 point win.
This win in front of the home support at UEL SportsDock, brought UEL’s basketball team one step forward to a league and Cup double, which would cement UEL’s dominance of University Basketball.
By Will Ashby
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