Troopers trounce Spartans 65-53

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday May 13, 2013 00:00

 

Spartans were hoping to continue being the former champions' hoodoo side but that did not happen as Troopers put an end to their dominance with a sound 65-43 victory. Spartans started the game well with Thuto Gaborone adding five points in the first quarter while Robert Mosalakatane added four.

They could not however stop Troopers from winning the quarter 15-12 with Duma Setlhare leading the score for Troopers with six points.Players missing shots on both sides rued the second quarter as Troopers continued with their slight lead. Troopers went to the interval leading 27-26. Mosalakatane led the scoring for Spartans on the night with 18 points followed by Gaborone with 10.

Spartans would try hard to get into the game in the third quarter but were frustrated by a solid defensive display by Troopers with Mothusi Phokoje on top of his game.Phokoje led Troopers scoring with 19 followed by Tsayang with 15 points. Spartans were still in with a chance in the final quarter as Troopers slowed down a bit, but they could not add any more points, while Troopers caught them on breaks to increase their lead.

With 1.35 remaining, Tsayang took the game beyond Spartans reach with a three pointer and two more shots before Spartans called their last time out.Spartans were trailing by 10 points with 9 seconds to go, but that was enough for Troopers to add another two points to complete their win.