South Africa's basketball community

Friendly: Montana Vikings winning run ends

By on May 20, 2010 in News

canadaflagmontana_vikingslogoWhile in South Africa on an outreach tour in connection with Hoops4Hope that lasted just a few days, a Canadian group of players beat Cape Peninsula University by 28 points on monday and came face to face with the best team in the Cape at the moment, Montana Vikings on Wednesday 19 May at the Belhar Sports Center. These games were more like practice games than anything else for all teams concerned.Guess how the game began? both teams making threes; then after that “Team300”  from Canada had a alley hoop dunk to set the tone for the rest of the evening. Vikings came out with the man on man defense they have been using a lot this year while Team300 quickly switched from what looked like a man on man to a 1-3-1 zone defense. In the first quarter, both teams looked like they were finding their feet but the canadians were into their rhythm faster. They were running the break with the post leading the way down the middle and getting easy baskets. In the first quarter, Vikings were struggling to get their game going and break the defensive press. It was turnover after turnover for the home team. End of Q1: “Team300” 20 – 8 Vikings

Just looking at both teams, you would quickly see that Team300 were bulkier than the Vikings who were much taller in height. They were much stronger and played with high intensity throughout the game. The Canadian players were versatile and would interchange positions throughout the game, making it difficult for the defence to adjust.

In the second quarter, Vikings tried to get a run going but Team300 would respond in kind. But there were signs of Vikings finding their confidence and getting their offence going. It was a better contest in this quarter with both sets of players competing for every ball. Vikings were passing the ball better, getting good looks to the basket and stayed within touching distance of their opponents. HT: Team300 35 – 29 Vikings

The 3rd quarter was about full throttle for the Canadian visitors, they ran riot with increased ball pressure and fast break lay-ups. The “referees” (if that’s what you want to call them) decided to have an influence on this scrimmage with some very dodgy calls but that’s the trend throughout SA so why even mention it? The Vikings only scored 6 points in this quarter which shows an increased amount of pressure from their opponents and frustration. Q3: Team300 63 – 35 Vikings

Vikings made their best run in this quarter with increased intensity on both ends of the floor. They rattled Team300, forcing turnovers and tough shots but it was a case of too little too late for the home team. The big crowd in attendance was enjoying every dunk from the visitors and as soon as Vikings made a nice play their allegiance would change; it was interesting. The game was soured towards the end with the players on both sides venting their frustration at some of the calls being made. With about 2 minutes left, Team300 made a last push with increased defence and quick baskets. Q4: Team300 85 – 57 Vikings

Article by Victor Shakineza

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  1. Tanya says:

    Great game to watch, eventhough Vikings lost.

    Ive been watching bball for almost 10 years now and its really the same faces every week – so it was fun seeing us playing another team. They just did NOT miss their shots. Looked like they could shoot in their sleep!!

    Good to see the CT teams werent beaten too badly though!

  2. Tanya says:

    Great game to watch, eventhough Vikings lost.

    Ive been watching bball for almost 10 years now and its really the same faces every week – so it was fun seeing us playing another team. They just did NOT miss their shots. Looked like they could shoot in their sleep!!

    Good to see the CT teams werent beaten too badly though!

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