Troopers prove too superior against Motown
Larona Makhaiza | Monday April 24, 2023 16:00
The two qualified for the final Top 4 finals alongside the ever high-flying Dolphins and Police V. Now the teams had to battle it out to qualify for the finals on a date to be announced in due course.
Under the cold breeze and all the goose bumps, the tie between Troopers and Motown lived up to expectations. Motown really started off on a great foot putting on an impeccable performance in the first quarter getting point after point. However, Motown’s flawless run in the first quarter was cut short as Troopers gradually got back into the game.
The two teams were all playing at high speed launching attack after an attack. But Motown seemed to be still in the driver’s seat with Troopers committing silly fouls continuously and the Molepolole-based side capitalised on the fouls. With only two minutes left on the clock for the end of the first quarter, something changed on Troopers' side and all their shots at goal went in. Troopers eventually caught up with Motown and the first quarter went on to end with the two teams level at 21-21.
In the second quarter, Troopers continued from where they left off launching successive attacks to Motown. However, Motown did not seem to be bothered by Troopers' early lead in the second quarter and overtook them. But Motown’s lead was only short-lived as Troopers’ tenacity put them back in the drivers' seat. Troopers enjoyed most of the lead for the better part of the second quarter and ended up winning it by 36-30. On the third quarter, it was still Troopers' show. Motown’s heroic run in the first quarter was nowhere to be seen in the following two quarters and one of the huge factors that played part was lack of substitutes on the bench.
Troopers capitalised on Motown’s squad deficiency and kept changing players throughout the game. Troopers won the third quarter 69-61. The last quarter was a do or die for the two teams and fatigue seemed to have really caught with Motown’s players who failed to keep up with Troopers’ high pace. Troopers ran away with last quarter and ended up winning the match 83-71.
Troopers' head coach, Glen Kruger was elated by the performance put up by his charges. “We really played very well. Motown had us in the first quarter but I am really happy that at the end we managed to win the game and we hope we can go all the way to win the title,” Kruger said. In the other match, Dolphins beat Police V 76-67.
Troopers 83 Motown 71