The Sydney Uni Lions avenged their only loss of the season over the weekend by defeating the Southwest Sydney Razorbacks, to remain on top of the ladder in Pool C of the Men’s Division One Waratah League.
It was another all-round solid performance from the Lions, with four players in double figures. Captain Yann Fasbender was the pick of the bunch however, with a season high 26 points for the Lions.
The victory takes the Lions to an impressive 5 wins from 6 games, with their only loss coming to the Southwest Sydney Razorbacks two weeks ago at Minto Sports Centre.
The Lions were quietly confident for their rematch against the Razorbacks as they are undefeated at home this season and were welcomed by the return of their star centre Rob Dewar into the starting lineup, who was unavailable in their previous game against the Razorbacks.
The team’s confidence, size and skill showed from the get go. The Lions came out on fire, showing great intensity at both ends of the court. The first quarter was capped off with a sweet team play from the Lions as Yann Fasbender drove to the rim to hit Josh Russel who passed up a good shot for a great shot to find Sam White for a deep 3. The Lions lead 27-8 as the first quarter buzzer sounded.
The Lions sensed victory and carried the job on in the second quarter. Rob Dewar was impressive again, scoring in the low post and protecting the rim better than anyone in the league. While Sam White continued his good shooting start to the season, with four made 3s. By half time the Lions had extended their lead to 46-20, and had taken the wind from the Razorbacks.
Marcel Bray had another strong outing in this one, his continued improvement has been one of the reasons the Lions have been able to go to the next level this season. Along with the calming influence Sasha Spoa has brought at the point guard position, and of course Nick Peters’ streaking shooting.
The game finished at 79-54 in favor of the Lions. Putting to bed the problems the Lions had in their last match up against the Razorbacks and sending a message to the rest of the league. The top scorers were Yann Fasbender (26), Sam White (16), Rob Dewar (15) and Marcel Bray (10). Brad Ryan battled hard for the Razorbacks to lead them with 17 points.
The Lions’ next match up comes this Saturday in the Sydney Uni Gala Day. Come down to the Sydney Uni Aquatic Centre courts for a huge day of ball. The Youth League boys take on the Hawkesbury Jets at 12pm, followed by our ladder leading Division One Men who face a challenging Norths team at 2pm. Sydney Uni’s affiliated club the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders will then be taking court in the Championship Division against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles with the women starting at 4pm and the men tipping off at 6pm.
GO USYD!