The Victoria University crocs decided to halt the JT jaguars plans of qualifying for the 2024 National Basketball League after putting up a superb team performance to take game 2 and force game 3.

JT Jaguars started the game quite well and despite their lack of sharpness, they took a 5 point lead after the first quarter.

Victoria University on the other hand were not yet in the game as they committed 5 turnovers and missed a couple of shots. They were able to keep within touching distance which was very key.

It is safe to say that the game was won/lost in the second quarter. There was a very big unprecedented momentum swing as Victoria University turned the game on it’s head.

Victoria University went on a 17:5 run and took a 7 point lead half way the third quarter. The Jaguars tried to claw back into the game but the momentum was with the crocs.

The third quarter was very much even but to start the fourth, back to back 3-point shots by Ronald Ayume gave the crocs a 9 point cushion and the Jaguars some how couldn’t catch up thereafter.

The most important basketball happened with 1:32 left in the game. Victoria missed 3 shot attempts but managed to collect 3 offensive rebounds and finally score to make it a 4 point game.

Their next possession was also very key and they managed to execute it brilliantly. The crocs ate up as much time as they could on the clock, made 7 passes and Cyrus Wobusobozi with the dagger.

Key takeaways

The 3-point shot battle was very key in this game and Victoria won it by a stretch. The Jaguars managed to make only 6 while the crocs buried 11, which were very crucial.

JT Jaguars struggles on the Free Throw line played a significant role in their loss. They only managed to make an underwhelming 9/20 and if they are to ruse back in game 3, this is a part of the game that they ought to improve.

Victoria University did their homework and in game 2, they won the rebound battle. Minus Benjamin Shango (9) and George Agasi (10), the other players did not contribute significantly whereas for Victoria, it was small small contributions from multiple sources.

For a team thrive, you need impact off the bench and Victoria had game changers. With 22 points to 3, the impact from the bench really boosted Victoria which wasn’t the same for Jaguars.

The JT Jaguars needn’t beat themselves after this loss and they should just call it a blip and move on quickly because game 3, is coming thick and fast.

They will also have to adjust on their defense, in order to stop the Victoria University 3 point shots. After hating such a fantastic season, it would very heart wrenching for them not to qualify for the NBL but the Victoria Crocs are in the similar position, and are also gunning for the same.

Stats

Nyong Marrier 11 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl, 3 blk

Cedric Alema 4 pts, 9 reb, 2 ast

Ronald Ayume 20 pts, 2 stl

Juach Akok 11pts, 8 rebs

Kabangu Clement 17 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast

George Agasi 13 pts, 10 reb, 2 stl

Benjamin Shango 15 pts, 9 rebs, 2stl