Dodgers complete Ignites double to go third
Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) Dodgers secured a 62-27 victory over University of Namibia (Unam) Ignites in their Khomas Basketball Association (KBA) women’s premier league encounter at Unam Gym Hall on Sunday.
The victory saw Nust Dodgers claim a season double over Unam Ignites, having cruised past Ignites 93-52 in March.
Dodgers’ latest victory saw them climb into third place on the log with 10 points after seven matches, moving ahead of Basketball Artists School (BAS) Falcons, who sit fourth on nine points after six matches.
First and second place are occupied by Unam Phoenix on 13 points and Ongos Shooting Stars on 12 points, with both sides having played seven matches so far.
The latest women’s premier league encounter between Ignites and Dodgers saw the latter dominate as the more aggressive side, creating more possessions and spending more time attacking around the basket.
Ignites drew first blood to lead 2-0 in the opening 24 seconds, but Dodgers controlled the game for almost the entire contest, leading for 36:40 after starting fast with a 21-8 first-quarter lead.
Dodgers held firm in the middle quarters, winning the second 10-5 and the third 10-9, before killing the game with a dominant 21-5 fourth quarter. Their biggest lead stretched to 38 points at 62-24 before the match ended 62-27.
Capitalising on mistakes
The eventual winners turned Ignites’ mistakes into quick offence, forcing them into 38 turnovers and punishing them with 31 points from turnovers and 17 fast-break points.
Dodgers dominated the paint and boards, winning points in the paint 42-16, rebounds 73-62, including 36-22 on offensive boards, and second-chance points 18-12. They also recorded 15 assists to Ignites’ six, with more players contributing to their offensive flow.
Despite coming off second-best in the encounter, Ignites, who sit fifth in the league, fought valiantly on the glass, pulling down 62 rebounds, including 22 offensive boards, to remain competitive in the physical battle.
However, failing to convert enough of their possessions into points cost them dearly in a match where capitalising around the basket, even through scrappy finishes, made all the difference.
Dodgers’ engine, leading the win on both ends of the floor, was Marttinellie Vries (#8), who had a double-double, scoring almost half of her team’s 62 points with a game-high 29, while grabbing 11 rebounds.
Vries also had five steals and posted a game-high 29 efficiency rating, having made 4/5 from three-point range.
Team made it possible
Reflecting on her standout performance, Vries credited the input and support of her teammates.
“It came more from the team and the trust they had in me to take the shots. We have been working on it [in training] and hard work, as they say, pays off.
“[Being third on the log] means we’re better positioned to push for play-offs and ultimately the finals. Definitely as a team, of course,” she remarked.
Dodgers’ anchor was Lustelle Elenga (#9), who helped her side control the glass and maintain pressure with a major all-round contribution of 14 rebounds, six assists, three steals and a game-high +35 plus-minus.
For Ignites, Lency Kuhanga (#10) was the most active player on the glass, standing out through effort and rebounding after finishing with nine points and 23 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards.
Another standout for Ignites was Kachana Gaingos (#15), who contributed six points and 13 rebounds while shooting 3/7 from the field.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Ignites’ Adiene de Willers said her side gave their best in the encounter.
“We stayed united [on court], and I think in a team sport like this, it’s important to stick together. We tried to work together and combine everyone’s strengths. I’m so proud of my girls for that,” she said.
Men’s encounters
The latest instalment in the men’s premier league saw BAS Vikings fall 74-63 to Nust Gladiators on Thursday.
Unam Rebels beat Afro Stars 96-94 in a close contest on Saturday, before Quality Basketball Club (QBC) completed a season double over Unam Wolves with a 92-84 victory to remain top of the log.
Vikings later picked up a 79-74 victory over Unam Penguins on Sunday.
In the first division, Team Allies swept Unam Knights 71-43 and Afro Stars II beat Plaza Warriors 56-54 on Thursday.
Unam Wolves II remained dominant in the division, picking up wins over Unam Pacers 88-55 and Afro Stars II 86-45 on Saturday and Sunday to stay top of the league.
Leopards also enjoyed back-to-back victories over the two days, beating QBC II 60-32 and Plaza Warriors 89-39.
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