Onwards and upwards

The NSWIS men’s basketball team suffered another loss on its tour of China overnight, however an improved performance has given the team hope of securing a maiden win on foreign soil.

The NSWIS faced the USA in a repeat of their last match, however after losing by 40 points in their previous encounter the team was prepared to make a strong run at victory.

Solid shooting from the NSWIS team take an early 13-9 before the USA stormed back to take the quarter 25-23 after some excellent shooting from outside the perimeter. 

The second quarter was a similar story, the NSWIS were able to rally against the bigger Americans, leading a strong defensive charge. Their prowess on the defensive end was obviously frustrating the Americans who made a number of outbursts on court before heading to the half-time break leading 45-39.

Determined not to be outdone, the Americans came out strong in the third quarter and asserted their physical dominance over a much younger NSWIS team, eventually taking out the third and fourth quarter to record a 91-77 victory over the NSWIS team.

The Institute’s performance in the fourth match of their tour is an outstanding sign of their development so far during the tour. After suffering three heavy defeats early in the tour, including a 40 point loss to the Americans in their first clash, last night’s performance was an indication of the team’s ability to match it with a stronger, more mature opponent.

The overseas tour has given each athlete an opportunity to experience the rigours of international competition and understand the commitment needed on the road in order to make each match and tour a success.

Top NSWIS scorers from the game were: Daniel Trist (21 points), Matt Logan (11 points, 75% shooting from three point range), Adam Stranger (10 points), Phil Chircu (nine points) and Jordan Barry (six points).

The Institute’s next match is against China tonight in Huizhou.