University of York Basketball Club kicked off their BUCS league with three home games hosted in the tent. The Men’s 2s got them off to a flying start, with an 86-53 win over Sunderland 3s.
York dominated the match, driving ahead from the onset, thanks to some fine shooting from third years Alvin Tsoi and Sam Lindley, with Lindley scoring the last 7 points of the first quarter. With a 21-14 lead going into the second, the men in black and gold only had to watch out for one threatening shooting guard from the Sunderland team. Although he capitalised on the space the York defence occasionally gave him, the home team managed to contain him efficiently throughout. Despite a drop in shooting form, York were still able to extend their lead, thanks to some crucial offensive rebounding by fresher Ryan Jago, which gave them an abundance of second chances under the basket. They finished the half up 41-27.
Just one minute into the second half York point guard Hugo Poon had already gained two steals and fast-break baskets, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Despite the team’s short spells of lack of focus which led them to miss some easy baskets, Poon’s speed and energy helped York to run away with the game. The boys relaxed into the final quarter, testing out creative passing which was a treat for the small crowd which came out to support. They extended their lead to 33 points, finishing at 86-53.
Coach Chris Taylor, a third year student, said ‘We had a game plan drawn up on our Saturday training session to run a solid motion offence and to make sure we out-hustled the other team on the backboards. Our second chance scoring opportunities however were low percentage and will be worked on for next game but on the whole I’m really proud of the fellas.’ A strong start for what should be a great season in the tent.
Other results: Men’s 1s v Bradford 1s: 59-68
Women’s 1s v Sheffield Hallam 2s: 39-68