MyBasketball

Alumni begin a Mentorship programme

Team Alumni took on their responsibilities of passing knowledge and experience by beating Hoop Stars 54-50. Hoop Stars had the upper hand by winning the first two quarters and drawing the third. However Alumni emerged victorious by mentoring their opponents on the theme “How to win a game in two minutes?” Alumni opened the scoring with a lay-up by Tshepo Phamotse who was assisted by Ikaelelo “Bixx” Likhi. Teboho Busakwe immediately made it even with a jumper. With three minutes into the game, Jabu Cebekhulu assisted Likhi with a beautiful back pass. In this early stage of the game, Alumni were disciplined and focused, non verbal communication which exposed their moods on the day. Nevertheless Hoop Stars were too quick and accurate in their jumpers. The led the first quarter by a basket and increased their lead to five points at half time. With the way they played in the third quarter, it was apparent that Alumni wanted to keep the score as tight as possible. Hence it ended even at 13 – 13.
Alumni started the fourth quarter with a lay-up by Likhi who made 20 points in this game. But it was the events in the last two minutes where Alumni took it upon themselves to mentor Hoop Stars on the game of basketball. After their time-out, Hoop Stars’ Mojalefa Lemao made a three but Sechaba Leroala failed to do likewise in a turn over. When Hoop Stars attempted a man-to-man defense, Likhi made a full court assist to Phamotse who made a basket while under the hoop.  Then Moruakgomo Keebine assisted Jabu Cebekhulu with a backdoor pass. By this time Hoop Stars where attacking but the zone defense of Alumni was not to be penetrated. Neither could they take any shot. Moeketsi Matima got a backdoor assist from Cebekhulu for a winning basket. The sms that Likhi sent to his players the night before was truly inspirational to their championship mettle. The players only brought their game to their matches.

Dynasty consolidated their position at the top by beating Khayalami 55 – 46. This was one of the best games for Khayalami. They showed positive signs in the game and are poised to reach the Best Four Finals on 18 October.

Results of the rest of the games

Firebirds 52 – 49 Tswelopele
Dynasty 85 – 26 Tswelopele
Firebirds 37- 82 Hoop Stars
Alumni 98- 43 Mangaung Snippers

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