The Curtin Carnabys hosted their second week of home games after both the men’s and women’s sides celebrated one win each. The Carnabys and Victoria University (Vic Uni) battled it out in two thrilling games at Curtin Stadium.
Women’s
Last week, the Carnabys women’s side enjoyed a major win against the University of Melbourne. However, Vic Uni had other plans.
While key Carnabys scorer Shenae Hartree (#30) was absent this game, the Carnabys worked dynamically to sink their baskets early on. However, their defence could have been stronger as Vic Uni was matching their shots from the get-go. The teams were either tied or catching up to whoever scored last.
This trend continued into the second quarter, but some smooth 3-pointers led by Ella Thornton-Elliot (#20) and timely layups by Aleka Kabugua (#8) took the Carnabys to a 6-point lead as the first half ended.
The Carnabys were able to maintain a small lead during the third term which was partially due to turnovers and careful plays by Sarah Allen (#24) and Kabugua. Vic Uni kept creeping up no matter what the Carnabys did.
Going into the final term, the scoreboard read 55-50 in favour of the Carnabys.
The final minutes of the match were filled with intensity as neither team was willing to give in. The scoreboard went to a brief draw of 66-all, and it could have been anyone’s game.
In the end, making their last free throws saw Vic Uni win by three points. The final score was 70-67.
Men’s
Like the women’s side, the men’s match was an arm wrestle with each team determined to one-up the other.
Late in the second quarter, the Carnabys suffered a few defensive breakdowns which facilitated the usual one-point margin to increase to six points between the teams. However, mining and engineering student Ali Rammal (#29) brought the Carnabys to level terms with two strong layups. The score was 32-all at halftime.
The Carnabys and Vic Uni continued to play a cat-and-mouse game in the second half, but Vic Uni maintained a slight lead due to their strong defensive presence.
However, the Carnabys were a determined unit with each player doing their bit across the court. Teaching student Mason Tion (#17) came into the game and sank a couple of threes. As did Tobey Martin (#11) and Rammal who were the highest-scoring players with 18 and 21 points, respectively.
In the final two minutes, Tobey sunk a three-pointer to bring it to 69-67, but Vic Uni still won the victory. The final score was 72-67.
