UEL Women’s Basketball first team made a statement on Wednesday with a 92-27 demolition of Oxford University at the SportsDock. The 65-point win was UEL’s most dominant scoring performance of the season by far.
The Blues have won two straight games and are surging back up the league table after a slow start to the season. UEL were dominant on offence, dropping a season high 92 points.
With all of UEL’s players heating up in the second quarter, shots were falling from everywhere. However, UEL guard Olivia Bauer played down the impressive score-line after the match:
“We performed really well but we just did what we were supposed to do and what was required of us. We got a good win so we’re happy.”
Flying Start
The ability to keep a level head and not get too up or too down after wins and losses is very important, clearly this is something coach Tope Alli-Balogun has installed in his players. As great as this win was, Oxford are yet to win a game this season and Bauer knew this is a team they should be beating comfortably.
The home team were never in doubt of the win, setting the tone in the opening seconds of the game with guard Brenda Kipewu scoring a lay-up direct from the tip-off. At no point did UEL let up in the first half and scored a staggering 58 points by the break, capped off by a stunning half-court shot to beat the half time buzzer.
Strict Discipline
Despite the game being over at the break, UEL were ruthless with their defensive pressure. They applied a full court press, even with a big advantage, leading to a truly special third quarter performance.
The Blues didn’t allow Oxford to score a single point in the entire ten-minute period. When asked about how her team were able to close Oxford out in such convincing fashion, Bauer credited her teams’ job of being vocal on the court.
“We played a good team defence. We still need to improve but our communication was good which enabled us to stop them from scoring. We have to work hard and support each other.”
Aiming High
A blowout win like this will give the team great confidence heading into their remaining four league games. The group are focused and improving game by game.
UEL currently sit fourth in their league but Bauer has high hopes for her team saying: “We’re definitely trying to get at least third or second, maybe even first.”
If the team are to achieve their goals, they will need to keep up their winning form as they travel to London South Bank University next Wednesday.
This game will be the first of a double header between the two teams and will give UEL an opportunity to turn their season around.
