Both Tera Reed and Sam Waardenburg produced career best scoring efforts for their respective colleges on Wednesday (US time). Both are freshmen and both seem to be flourishing as their team’s head towards the business end of the season.
Reed has been outstanding all season for Virginia Commonwealth University Rams. In their latest outing Reed posted 27 points on 11 from 18 (61%) shooting but it wasn’t enough with the Rams falling 80-71 to second placed Duquesne – VCU now 2-9 in Atlantic 10 Conference play. It was the 18th double-figure scoring effort of the season from the Westlake Girls alumni and her third 20+ points haul of the campaign.
Reed added 3 rebounds, 2 steals and a team high 6 assists for good measure.
The Waardenburg numbers aren’t as impressive as Reed’s but the former Rangitoto College forward played a major role for the Miami Hurricanes as they held off Wake Forrest to win 87-81 and move to 7-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Earning more and more trust from Miami head coach Jim Larranaga and his staff, Waardenburg played most of the second half in a tight, enthralling contest. The stretch four made three from three triples and three from four free throws when the game was in the balance. He finished with 12 points, three rebounds, an assist and a block.
Next week the fourth placed Hurricanes will cross swords with conference leaders and the No 2 ranked Virginia who of course have Jack Salt anchoring their stingy defence – that should be worth watching.
LACEY LOWDOWN 