The Southern Design Sydney Uni Sparks have picked up their first win of their 2018 SEABL campaign, following a split in round two.
On Friday night, they had a 64-53 loss at home against the Albury Wodonga Bandits, before heading down to Canberra on Sunday to claim a 57-50 win over BACOE.
The Sparks got out to a decent start on Friday night, heading in to quarter time 20-20. A poor second quarter from the home side, characterised by a lack of intensity on the defensive end, saw Albury take an 11 point lead into the half time break.
Despite a valiant effort in the third, keeping the Bandits to just six points, an inability to convert on the offensive end hurt the Sparks chances of reducing the deficit, with Albury finishing the game 11 point victors.
Emily Simons and Susannah Walmsley were the only Sparks players in double figures, finishing with 12 and 11 points respectively.
In their second game of round two, the Sparks travelled to Canberra to take on BACOE. The home side got out of the blocks fast, getting out to a two point lead after the first quarter. The game looked to be going in the same direction as Friday night, with the Sparks trailing by as much as nine points at three quarter time.
However, their experience came through just in time. A huge fourth quarter defensive effort by the Sparks kept BACOE to just nine points, whilst they began to click on the offensive end putting 25 points on the board. They also won the rebound count 13-3 in the final quarter, which proved the difference as they came away with a seven point victory and their first win of the 2018 season.
Lara McSpadden and Shanae Greaves dominated in the post. McSpadden finished with 16 points and 11 boards, whilst Greaves added 16 points of her own. Tahlia Tupaea controlled the tempo, especially in the final quarter, finishing with 13 points and 3 assists.
The Sparks will look to take their fourth quarter form int round three when they take on Diamond Valley at 7pm on Friday 20th April at Brydens Stadium.
