The men’s first team varsity basketball match ended with a 70-34 win for the University of Sheffield after a strong display across all four quarters.
UoS opened the scoring through Jacob Adams, who hit a three pointer, before Zak Moore added another from range to give the Uni of a 6-0 lead. Just over half way through the first quarter, the gold and black found themselves 10-0 up. A late basket from Ciaran Glover helped Hallam get on the scoreboard, while Harry Pigott added points after scoring from a long pass and converting a free throw. Despite the response, the University of Sheffield finished the period 16-9 ahead.
The second quarter widened the gap. Z. Moore stole possession and scored on the break before converting two free throws. A three pointer from Miles Moore pushed the lead further, although Hallam fought back through Lewis Hyde and a three pointer from Harrun Handuleh, who looked the most dangerous in maroon. The Uni Of maintained control and went into half time leading 36-19, with Adams hitting a three pointer as the buzzer sounded.
Hallam started the third quarter with a three pointer from captain Muhamad Bah, but the University of Sheffield quickly responded through Z. Moore and M. Moore, who both continued to find space around the opposition’s defence. Hallam added a three pointer through Macauley Littler, yet UoS extended their advantage to 52-30 by the end of the period. Another three-pointer on the buzzer was scored to close the quarter, this time by Hallam’s Handuleh.
The game slowed down for the Hallam side in the final quarter, only getting 4 points. Yet, the University of Sheffield kept the pressure on. Jaden Crump added several baskets, while Don Yen, M. Moore, and Adams all scored as the team in black and gold closed out a comfortable 70-34 victory.
Catching up with the winner’s coach, and former player for the Sheffield Sharks, Mike Tuck, he said: “It was great. This event is an amazing one to have at the end of the season.
Long season with the regular season, but today we pulled off the win. It’s the first time in varsity history that we’ve won back-to-back varsity titles in men’s basketball, so a little piece of history for the guys to take home today. It’s a nice feeling.”
