Game 1 Report: USYD and UTS Split IV Series

The Inter-Varsity Basketball Series between USYD and UTS got off to a flyer on Monday, with both the women’s and men’s games decided by single digits.

In the first game of the day, the UTS women’s side came out on top, winning by four points (83-79) over a resilient USYD lineup. For the Teal, Maddy Norris dropped a game-high 36 points, backed up by strong performances from Sherrie Calleia (21 points) and Geena Valos (12 points).

The USYD women’s side put in a strong team performance, with all nine players scoring four points or more. Lara Warner, on her USYD debut, led the way with 18 points. Annie Henderson (12 points), Katie Castle (12 points) and Sarah Wacher (11 points) all managed double-digit scoring performances, with Emily Cleghorn and Alysha Skerritt putting in standout defensive performances.

In the men’s fixture, USYD’s strong second half performance saw them runaway with a nine-point win over an impressive UTS squad.

UTS started the stronger of the two sides, leading by three points at the first break thanks to efforts from Reggie Ridlen and Jock Jensen.

The second quarter saw both teams lockdown on the defensive end, with just 24 points scored between the two sides. Coming out of halftime, the scores were even with the game very much in the balance.

On the back of some great defensive efforts from USYD debutant Tom Roche, USYD were able to then capitalize on a shift in momentum late in the third quarter, starting Q4 with a number of strong offensive sets.

USYD guard Oliver Bowman hit multiple big shots to get the Lions over the line, finishing the game as USYD’s highest scorer with 24 points. Forward Parker Dale (13 points) and guard Robbie Moore (11 points) also finished with double-digit scoring efforts, while Ben Fakira and Liam Humphrey put in strong rebounding displays.

For UTS, Ridlen finished as the game’s highest scorer (26 points) following an incredible three-point shooting display (8 3PM), while Jensen and Alex Higgin-Titsha were also amongst the Teal’s best.

For viewers at home, the live broadcast attracted over 2000 viewers across the two games, with numbers expected to rise for Friday’s pivotal rematches.

Tip off times will remain the same for Friday’s rematches (Women 11am, Men 1pm), with those interested in watching the games live encouraged set reminders for the livestreams via the Sydney Uni Basketball Facebook page.

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