GBL: University of Pretoria vs. Pretoria Heat – Men-30/04/2009
This game started on the wrong footing with the scheduled referees apparently stuck in traffic so there was only one recognized referee for a Premier game. The GBL organizer, Manny Mabusa managed to get someone from the crowd to referee the game. The other thing that caught the eye was the lack of a shot clock for this particular game. Despite these problems the game went ahead.
The University of Pretoria (Tuks) was outgunned by a Pretoria Heat team that didn’t have to break a sweat in the process. Tuks started well by keeping some of the big Heat players quiet and scoreless in the first quarter. Despite their best efforts to make it difficult for themselves, Heat always looked in control of this encounter with baskets in the paint the norm on the night. After each quarter, Pretoria Heat coach, Victor Fouda took out 5 players and put a fresh five in so the intensity remained the same.
Tuks on the other hand were relying on the outside shooting of their guards and the penetration on their point guard Simphiwe Mahlangu (Tuks 13), who found himself on the free throw line more than any other player in the game. But Simphiwe also made a lot of turnovers that resulted in lay-ups for the opposition; especially from Shane Bamuza (Heat 12), who looked like he was in fifth gear while everyone was still in first. The Heat second unit looked a lot more effective in this game, outrebounding and outscoring the opposition. The experience and depth of Pretoria Heat was a major factor as they seemed always in control of the game.
The Heat played great defense in patches and their passing was on point for most of the night.
In the end, Heat had an easy victory but they will be worried that their imposing power forward Gideon didn’t make an impression against a weak Tuks front court.
Article by Victor Shakineza
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