Information provided by Setlogelo Radebe
Alumni in a mean mood
Alumni continued with their fine form when they tutored CUT Panthers by winning in the first quarter. The game was intense and mistakes counted against the team that committed them. This game was fairly tight but Alumni gained the upper hand by taking the first quarter with 7 points. Vusi Sithole opened the scoresheet and Jabu Cebekhulu, who was fouled out replied for Alumni. Panthers looked confused at this time and Alumni capitalised by making more baskets. After a draw in the second interval, Alumni managed to win a third quarter by a point. Itumeleng Makolomakoe, who has the habit of getting fouled out, was the only player from the two sides who managed a single three pointer. Lack of converting jumpers contributed to the low score produced in this game.
The game was also marred by ugly emotions, resulting in Lefa Khoantle, Panthers manager receiving a technical foul. However the discipline in which both teams presented in the man- to -man defence made it difficult for neither team to score.
It was apparent that the loss of 40 – 35 bruised the ego of Panthers who more or less demanded to play another match “as they are behind schedule”.
Hoop Stars overcame their weakness when they walloped Navalsig Stars 42 – 20. Lefa Vetstock’s boys dominated the entire game and reduced Stars’ Marvin Phungula into a spectator. This strategy decreased the chances of Stars to penetrate the zone of Hoop Stars. But it was Hoop Stars who managed to unlock the oppositions’ zone, making them to man mark. Thus they opened spaces which let crisp movements and passes of Hoop Stars to turn into successful baskets.
Meanwhile Tswelopele hostel registered their first win by beating Mangaung Snippers with a whopping 19 points. Tswelopele lacked concentration in the third quarter and allowed Snippers to come back in the game. Both teams were eager to win the game and started off aggressively. Lindelani Madzhie and the boys were more effective on the floor but failed to convert jumpers which would have seen them count three figures. The final score was 65 – 46.
Other results: Alumni 59 – 32 Navalsig
HoopStars 66-27 Tswelopele
Snippers 26-76 Khayalami
