York basketballers narrow losers in thriller
Alexandru Hristea
UNIVERSITY OF YORK MEN’S 48 vs. SHEFFIELD HALLAM MEN’S 49
BUCS Northern Conference 3B, Wednesday 18th February 2009
For the neutral it was thrilling – but there were not many of those courtside to see York men’s basketball team narrowly lose 48-49 to Sheffield Hallam yesterday. It was aggressive, fast-paced and passionate: a fine advert for University sport. Yet, despite York’s brilliant effort, a poor final quarter handed Hallam victory and meant a demoralised York registered their third defeat in a row.
York entered the game as underdogs against a Sheffield Hallam team fighting for promotion and already on a three game winning run. However, they will be devastated that they threw away a nine-point lead in a spectacular final quarter. The loss means York are in danger of being dragged into the relegation battle with York St. John, who they will play in their final game of the season. Depending on St John’s results, that game in two weeks time could be crucial.
York started well in a tight first quarter, with the visitor’s defence being unable to deal with the speed of Kelvin Chen. York also defended well, withstanding large amounts of pressure from the visitors. As the first time-out was called, Captain Ronan Joyce told his team to work on their offence, saying ‘shot selection is key.’ York matched their opponents for the rest of the quarter, and at the break the scores were level at 9-9.
(Alexandru Hristea)
Sheffield began to look like the team that had amassed three times as many points as York this season in the second, stylishly going into a 17-12 lead. York called a time-out and Joyce told his team that they were ‘shooting too early’ and to have more patience in offence. This had a massive impact, and the shots immediately improved. They were soon back level and then a fantastic three-pointer from Ben Barrett turned the game around. In their best period of the match, York powered into a 25 -20 lead with enthusiastic and aggressive play from Barrett, Chen and Robert Kazimierowicz. The latter was warmly received from the bench as he came off just before half time; his contribution vital to turning the game around.
York started the second-half leading 25-22, with Joyce warning his team against loss of intensity in another of his passionate team-talks. There seemed no danger of that as York continued to play aggressively in a closer third quarter. Sheffield battled well to close the gap, but a brilliant last few minutes meant York began the final quarter leading 39-32.
(Alexandru Hristea)
Club president Jean Paul Niyongabo warned his team against complacency, saying that it was ‘not over’. However, York looked confident and knew the game was theirs to lose. In any case, when Joyce scored to give York a nine point lead, it looked all over.
However, Hallam would play some incredible basketball in the next ten minutes to completely wipe out York’s advantage and enter into the lead. York have conceded the second most points in the division this season and it was clear why, as Hallam continuously found ways through their defence. Poor shooting, however, let the visitors down and York managed regain their lead. With thirty seconds remaining they led by a single point. Joyce called the time-out and told his team that they simply needed to hold the ball. However, Sheffield took the lead in the next play, and their bench erupted with euphoria.
(Alexandru Hristea)
The home side pressed forward and seemed to have been given a lifeline when they were awarded two free shots for a defensive foul. Tensions had hit boiling point and Joyce squared up to two frustrated Hallam players. The confrontation was split up and it fell on Kazimierowicz to take the crucial shots. The pressure was too much however and he missed both. It was a harsh end to the game for a player who had performed brilliantly throughout. York caught the rebound but the Hallam defence held on.
Sheffield celebrated like they had won the league – in contrast York were obviously demoralised. A bitterly disappointed Niyongabo said afterwards that they ‘let themselves down in the fourth quarter’ and that he ‘wished they had played harder.’ As the players left the field, their disappointment was evident. There are many who criticise University sport for lacking passion, they would have done well to watch yesterday’s match.
York Line-up: 4 Dane Vishnubala, 5 Ronan Joyce, 8 Deniz Ekren, 14 Dave Nalton, 15 Nikos Stathopoulos, 21 Keluin Chen, 23 Jean Paul Niyongabo, 33 Robert Kazimierowicz, 34 Ben Barrett, 44 Edward de Moraville, 55 Brendan Moran
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