Q1: 11-13

The opening game of the evening would start off rather slowly, with neither team getting anything to go for the first few minutes. However this would quickly change with Duggan - no.96, hitting for the Oddities. ULT began to profit from the charity stripe, however their lead would not begin to form until Nerka - no.14 hit a hesitant 3. This consistency would prove to be ULT’s greatest asset, allowing them to pull ahead by 2 to end the quarter. Although a low scoring start, both teams showed tenacity on defence; notably Papaionannou - no.23 who got a big time block with one minute remaining. He has started to solidify himself as a defensive wall not to be reckoned with. 

Q2: 23-19

Papaionannou would open the second quarter with a pass to the wide open Walker - no.13. Unfortunately this would fall just short, highlighting what would become a common issue for the Oddities throughout the game - lack of communication. Nkume - no.22, would balance this out for the Oddities, hitting a fantastic layup through contact. Unfortunately, this would be the last of their scoring for quite a while, as they hit a drought going 0-5 on the next plays. ULT would not be able to capitalise on this, leading to them being down to the league leaders by 4 at the end of the half. 

Q3: 28-32

Nkume would prove his value to the Oddities, showing high energy and hitting a brilliant fadeaway to start the second half. However, Nerka would get yet another 3, followed by a layup from Zobiela - no.1 - evening the score at 25-25. A 3 point shot from Maratas - no.13 would demonstrate that ULT were not a team to be underestimated. Dempsey - no.1 would respond with a 3 of his own as well as drawing a foul later on. However these 5 points would be all from the Oddities, allowing ULT to comeback in great fashion to take over by 4. 

Q4: 36-46

Dempsey would start the final quarter with another 3. Combined with their brilliant offence, ULT would take a lead of 9 points. Wood - no.7 would make a crucial layup to stay competitive. However, the time management of the Oddities would lead them to waste crucial seconds, making the 31-40 score-line almost impossible to reconcile with 3 minutes remaining. Duggan would once again carry the team and provide much needed motivation, hitting a contested 3. Walker would make a close jumper, yet it wouldn’t be enough; with Nerka making a layup, getting fouled and making the free throw - the game was guaranteed for ULT.  

Quite frankly, this was a game that ULT deserved to win. However it was more than preventable for the Oddities. With a 28.6% Field-goal total, and only 5 players actually scoring any points, it demonstrated the need for cohesion and handling a high heat game. Ultimately, although the Oddities also proved to be resilient fighters - something which I do commend - ULT would take the lead and show their competitiveness. The overall rhythm of the team, and their fantastic conversion rate from the midrange, would allow them to take their first win of the season.

Obviously, Duggan - no.96 deserves praise. Single handedly contributing to over 50% of the Oddities final score. His 42.9% three-point percentage showed his talent as an individual.

However he was not the only scoring killer. 

Nerka - no.14 would also show his true colours as the coin flip of ULT, racking up a 50% Field-goal percentage and 17 points contributed to the victors. 

The Oddities have a lot to reflect on, but no doubt will come back stronger than ever. On the other hand, ULT are able to take pride in their well fought victory and demoting the previous league leaders to second, behind the Lightning who will aim to continue their undefeated 3-0 streak and extend it to 4-0 against the Tropics. Will they succeed?

You can find out first hand by joining us at 6:45pm on Thursday 14th of November at The Deans College, Lincoln.

See you there.

NEXT WEEK’S GAMES: 

Oddities vs Bombers & Tropics vs Lightning

ULT Highlights:

• Nerka (#14) led ULT with 17 points, shooting 50.0% from the field (7-14) and adding 8 rebounds and 1 steal.

• Zobiela (#1) contributed 9 points, shooting 50.0% from the free-throw line and adding 3 rebounds and 1 steal.

• Maratas (#13) scored 8 points, shooting 66.7% from two-point range (2-3), and contributed 1 assist and 1 steal.

• T. Brazauska (#25) added 8 points, shooting 57.1% from two-point range, and contributed 4 rebounds.

Oddities Highlights:

• Duggan (#96) led Oddities with 16 points, shooting 50.0% from two-point range (3-6) and 42.9% from beyond the arc (3-7), while adding 3 rebounds and 1 steal.

• Walker (#13) contributed 6 points, shooting 50.0% from two-point range, and added 5 rebounds and 1 steal.

• A. Nkume (#22) added 6 points, shooting 66.7% from the free-throw line, while also securing 7 rebounds.

Team Performance:

• ULT shot 36.7% from the field overall and 60.0% from the free-throw line.

• The Oddities shot 28.6% from the field and 66.7% from the free-throw line.

• ULT led in rebounds with 22 total rebounds compared to Oddities’ 25.

• ULT’s defense forced 15 turnovers and had 3 steals.

Scoring by Quarter:

• Q1: ULT 13, Oddities 11

• Q2: Oddities 12, ULT 6

• Q3: ULT 13, Oddities 5

• Q4: ULT pulled away, outscoring Oddities 14-8

Final score: ULT 46 - Oddities 36