by Phina Newton
Having finished on top of the ladder and claiming the title of Minor Premiers, Melbourne University were favourites heading into this Quarter-Final.
However, Adelaide University wasted no time, Darcy McNamara hitting a three straight off the bat. Kai Garnaut and Dihan Wiggett were quick to answer down the other end, and already we knew we were in for one hell of a game. Defence was scarce for either team and as a result it was a very high-scoring first quarter.
Adelaide seemed to have control of the game, led by McNamara and Ayual Garang.
While our Winged Victory had the dunk show part of the game covered, McNamara was proving to be a headache in all other aspects. For most of the game, Melbourne University just couldn’t find a way to stop him. It was our co-captains in the end who stood up and prevailed, Wigget’s defensive persistence paying off, and Spud McNally nailing back-to-back threes – something we have grown used to seeing this year.
Despite this, the game was far from over, Adelaide wasn’t going away. Both teams continued to trade buckets and as the clock wound down the defensive intensity lifted. Tensions were high and free throws were given away.
It all came down to a controversial call, or no call I should say, but ultimately, it was Melbourne University who won the game and will progress to the Semi-Final.