Wins for Wits Bucks and Young Bucks but devastating loss for Lady Bucks in Gauteng University Basketball League
Two Wits University’s men’s basketball teams triumphed during their respective clashes, while the women’s team displayed a dismal performance during the Gauteng University Basketball League on Sunday, April 7 at Wits Hall 29.
The day began with the second team men’s Wits Young Bucks playing against University of Pretoria (Tuks). Wits Young Bucks began with a slow first quarter, with little rebound and a multiple turn overs leading into the second quarter.
The Wits team reached their peak in the third quarter gaining a 10-point lead against Tuks. This led to a tight fourth quarter, with a strong offense and defence from both sides, which resulted in 47-57 tight win for the Young Bucks.
Young Bucks small forward, Rekessi Esipisu, told Wits Vuvuzela that, “We had to fight for it. Tuks made it hard for us. But we always come strong in the third quarter.” The team gained their momentum during the third quarter.
Coach Mpumi Ramatsoga agreed that they had a good third quarter.
“The team scored really well in the third quarter and played really good defence. That was the point in the game that shifted momentum for us,” said Ramatsoga.
Lady Bucks vs Vaal University of Technology
The women’s second team game followed with Wits Lady Bucks playing against Vaal University of Technology (VUT). The home side suffered a devastating loss to VUT with an astonishing 103-point gap point difference. The final score sat at 119 – 16 to VUT as a result of multiple turnovers and fast breaks orchestrated by the away team. The back and forth running of VUT left Wits Lady Bucks out of breathe and in shock of the point gap.
The team captain Tlangelani Baloi, who plays post said what lead them down was their running. Baloi said they “started off on a good note” but lost momentum as they missed goals whilst VUT continued to extend their lead.
Wits Bucks vs University of Johannesburg Orange Wave
The day ended with the first team men’s nail-biting game between the Wits Bucks and UJ Orange Wave.
It started with a strong first quarter for the Wits Bucks, with a high energy penetrating offense which was met by an aggressive defence by the Orange Wave in the second quarter putting a sudden and unexpected halt to the home team’s lead.
It was followed by a momentous third quarter for the Orange wave but they were unable to penetrate the Wits Bucks’ strong defence. Wits Bucks sealed their win with a final score of 60 – 69.
Ntebo Lehlweng, UJ fan, told Wits Vuvuzela that the Orange Wave “played a good game even though they lost”. Lehlweng added that the game “was really exciting to watch.”
FEATURED IMAGE: Wits Lady Bucks are congratulating the Vaal University of Technology on their win during the Gauteng University Basketball League on Sunday, April 7 at Wits Hall 29. Picture: Tsholanang Rapoo.
