William Joyce in action for College. Photo supplied.The first game of the night was the current competition leaders Newlands taking on the ever-improving College side, who were in search of their third win in as many days.

College started the better as they settled into their work, again utilising their half-court man-to-man defence.

It took Newlands a while to settle but when they did, they managed to draw it back to 20-18 in favour of College.

The second quarter initially saw a good start by Newlands, however College were able to increase their defensive intensity as well as speeding the game up to push the lead out to 41-33 at the end of the half.

The third quarter was evenly matched as both teams went basket for basket.

Newlands would go on a mini-roll, just for College to return the favour.

College led 63-53 going into the final quarter.

Newlands needed to score early to set the momentum, however it was the College boys that set the tone.

They struck early and regularly to push the lead out, however Newlands kept fighting.

A College time-out caused the floodgates to open up as College broke away.

Newlands fell away and College ran out comfortable winners 95-73.

Riley Sa found his long-range shooting to go with his excellent driving to finish with 32 points, while Kambell Stills had another top night at the office, grabbing numerous rebounds and being deadly from mid-range to finish with 22 points.

Liam Sullivan had a nice return to form combining some good drives with hitting from range.

For Newlands, It was Randy Buenafe leading the way with 22 points, Marc Juntilla with 17 and Sam Rodgers with 14.

The second game was between Wildlife and MSA Team Donkey, and it turned out to be a cracker of a match.

The first quarter opened with MSA Team Donkey making the early running.

However, Wildlife managed to stay close but trailed early 22-17.

The second quarter started off well for Team Donkey as they found their combinations to score, while Wildlife struggled to find the basket.

Team Donkey took their lead out to 43-33, but then things went wrong for the defending champs.

Wildlife found another gear and went on a roll to only trail 43-42 at the break.

After the break, Wildlife continued on as they’d finished the second quarter and next thing they had powered to a 63-44 lead.

Finally Team Donkey managed to find the basket, only for Wildlife to reply twice in kind to push the score out to 67-46, but they still trailed by 14, 67-53 at the end of the third.

Come the fourth stanza and Team Donkey were far from done.

They matched up and were making Wildlife work hard for their baskets, stringing together better plays, and began creeping towards the Wildlife score.

Soon it was down to single figures and momentum had definitely swayed.

However just as they had looked unlikely, Wildlife were able to pick up a couple of tough baskets to keep them at bay.

With 11 seconds on the clock, Team Donkey trailed 79-75, however Wildlife pressured hard on the ball which stopped them from scoring a quick basket to give themselves a chance to press and to try and turn the ball over.

They could only manage a last second three-pointer which took the final score to 79-78 to Wildlife.

For Wildlife it was Sam Pearce leading the way with 25 points, in a top all-round performance.

Emiliano Guerra was strong on the drive and delivered a couple of crunch baskets when needed. He finished with 23 points.

Sean Hunter added 14 points to the tally.

For MSA Team Donkey Fotu Hala showed his all-round skills, whether it was from range, the drive or the assist. He finished with 23 points. Cam Butler toiled hard for his 20 points and Pip Johnston finished with 15.

So, two major upsets in one night showing how tight this competition is.

The final round is next week and all to play for, as Newlands take on MSA Team Donkey and Nomads play Wildlife to finalise the standings before the finals crossovers beginning September 9.

 © The Ashburton Guardian - 28 August 2020