Venue: Essex University
Date: 10th March 2010
Competition: Derby Day
UEA Team:
E Christoforou
B Rochfalusiova
N Ozgun
J Gordon
A Anas
S Ramma
S Christianson
A Bultereys
N Lucioni
S Nafria Anciso
T Kalombodza
C Wheatman
Match Report: The first of UEA’s basketball clashes with Essex occurred at 2pm in the extremely undersized university sports hall. The team were at the venue early and had a good amount of time to prepare for the game and go through pre-game strategy. Once on court, the game was fairly even for most of the first half, the sides trading baskets with no one gaining a significant lead. Somewhat expectedly, given the size of their court, Essex relied on outside shooting and managed to hit enough shots to stay close. UEA worked their offenses patiently trying to get some high percentage looks at the basket, and for the most part were successful at drawing fouls and getting to the line. The game was devoid of any fast break offense (due to the small court) except for a period at the start of the 3rd quarter where UEA began to take control. Spurred by a couple of fast break baskets and a couple of threes, they took a 10 point lead into the 4th quarter and were on the ascendency. The 4th quarter was marked by some efficient ball control by UEA as they cut down their turnovers and looked after the ball well, restricting Essex’s opportunities to come back into the game. At one point UEA led by as many as 17 points before Essex used their effective post player to cut the deficit, however UEA never looked in danger of relinquishing the lead and stayed sharp to complete the ten point victory.
