The Southern Design Sydney Uni Sparks have shaken off their slow start to the season, notching their third consecutive win. This time it was an 82-79 victory over the defending champion, Geelong Supercats, who had previously beaten the Sparks in round one.
It was a close encounter from the beginning, with the Sparks jumping out to an early lead. However, lack of discipline on the defensive end sent the visiting Supercats to the free throw line on numerous occasions in the first quarter, allowing them to keep the margin close.
The Sparks took a four point lead into half time and extended this lead to ten points at the end of the third. Experienced in tough situations, Geelong mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter to get the lead back to one point with a minute remaining. Within the last minute, Tahlia Tupaea was fouled and went to the free throw line, sealing the three point victory with two made shots.
In a high scoring affair, both teams shot at an impressive clip. The Supercats were 57.1 percent from the field and the Sparks shot 50.7 percent. The Sparks were also 100 percent from the free throw line.
Lara McSpadden was unstoppable in the paint, finishing with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Tupaea proved tough to guard, with 21 points and 7 assists and Shanae Greaves also scored in double figures adding 16 points.
The Sparks head back on the road for a double-header in round five. First up, they take on Frankston at 6:30pm on Saturday 5th May, followed by Kilsyth at 12pm on Sunday 6th May.
