The Hobart Chargers have snapped the Sydney Uni Sparks four game win streak.
With finals just around the corner, the young Sparks have learned quite a few valuable lessons in their 93-68 loss to the visiting Chargers.
Sydney Uni got out to a slow start, allowing Hobart to get out to an early lead. The Sparks got some great looks but were unable to execute, while the Chargers moved the ball well and made the most of every offensive opportunity. The Sparks were unable to contain the visiting side and their defensive intensity was severely lacking, allowing the Chargers to take a 34-20 lead into the first break.
The second quarter was better defensively, however the Sparks only displayed their usually energetic brand of basketball in patches. The Chargers continued to dominate the boards and knocked down open shots taking a 19 point lead into the main break. The Sparks gave up 56 points for the half, their biggest total against for the season.
Coming out after half time, the Sparks picked up their intensity but still continued to find it difficult to get open looks. Sarah Graham and Natalia Beaumont kept the Sparks alive, knocking down some tough shots in the third quarter.
The Sparks had nothing to lose going into the fourth quarter, but the Chargers maintained control from start to finish. Any time the Sparks went on a run, the visiting side had a response. Hobart were highly efficient in the match, with a 52% field goal percentage, while shooting 48% from beyond the arc. They out rebounded the Sparks 52-32 and had 32 assists to Sydney Uni’s 18.
There were two players who stood out on offence for the Sparks. Natalia Beaumont finished with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Sarah Graham had a double double, adding 18 points, 11 assists and 6 rebounds.
With one regular season game remaining for the Sparks, they will look to regain some momentum before their home semi-final the following Friday night. However, their final round match up will be another test, as they come up against the second placed Kilsyth Cobras in Kilsyth this Saturday 5th August.
