Australian U20 National’s Day 3 Recap – NSW & VIC remain undefeated in both Men’s and Women’s
The preliminary rounds have finished and it’s time to move on to the Finals rounds. NSW and Victoria are still undefeated in both the men’s and women’s divisions, putting on statement performances to secure first place in their respective divisions.
Credit: Kangaroo Photos
Men’s basketball
Tasmania continues to disappoint; loses in OT thriller
Entering this tournament, many had high hopes for this Tasmania squad. They boast three Australian representatives along with some extremely capable complimentary players. Tasmania is now 0-3 after losing in overtime to a winless New Zealand side. Credit to AIS scholar Tanner Krebs for coming up in the clutch to send the game to OT, but it wasn’t enough as NZ got the 76-75 win.
Victoria remains undefeated; spoils McVeigh’s huge night
Jack McVeigh has had a terrific tournament thus far. The 6’7 forward is averaging 31 ppg, 7.6 rpg on 58% FG in the tournament and continued his impressive play with 32 points against a strong VIC side. However, it was Victoria’s team play that prevailed at the end with 5 players scoring in double digits. Right now it looks like Victoria can’t be stopped, they remain undefeated in the tournament and they’re doing it in dominant fashion – winning their games by an average of 27 points.
Cooks is key for NSW
Xavier Cooks finally had his breakout game in this tournament; 23 points, 3 rebounds and 5 steals as NSW defeated WA 91-67. Cooks was a late recipient of a scholarship to the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence and is the most naturally gifted player on this NSW team. Cooks’ versatility can lead NSW all the way and, if he’s at the top of his game, NSW could pose a threat for Victoria come the Grand Final game.
Women’s basketball
NSW slows down Froling, Wallace; secures #1 in their pool
The NSW Women put on a masterful defensive effort to get the 75-56 victory over Queensland. They held Australian Representatives Alicia Froling and Kristy Wallace to a combined 25 points on 8/42 FG. Froling was averaging 27.5 ppg prior to this game, however she was unable to establish any kind of fluidity in the post and couldn’t capitalize on any second-chance opportunities. NSW played some smothering defense, a trait that has me thinking that they have chance to compete with a Victoria side who’s equally impressive on the defensive end of he floor.
Victoria finish at the top of their Pool
Victoria held WA to just 3 points in the 1st Q. That defensive effort carried on throughout the entire game, holding WA to just 43 points in the game. Victoria has a versatility that not many other teamsare able to match. With Australian representative Rachel Antoniadou having an off game, other players were able to step up and capably carry the scoring load. It’ll be great to see them feature Lauren Scherf a bit more as they enter the quarterfinals; her talent is far too good for them not to utilize it in the latter end of the tournament.
After Day 3’s action, here are the quarterfinal games that will be played on Wednesday:
Men’s:
11am – QLD vs ACT 1pm – SA vs NZ 3pm – NSW vs TAS 5pm – VIC vs WA
Women’s:
1pm – QLD vs SA 3pm – NSW vs NZ 5pm –VIC vs ACT 5:30pm –WA vs TAS