A season best from Izayah Le’afa highlights the latest news about Kiwi men playing NCAA Division I hoops.
Le’afa scored a season high 18 points (5/11 3PG), that included three triples in three minutes, as Sacramento State Hornets secured an 84-73 home win against Southern Utah – the Hornets now 5-9 in the Big Sky Conference after starting 0-4. Six assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals completed the Wellingtonian point guard’s fine all court game.
Yanni Wetzel recorded his first double-double in Vanderbilt University colours but it wasn’t enough to get the Commodores the win. The Vanderbilt forward scored 10 points (4/5FG) and also garnered 10 rebounds but unfortunately it is now 12 straight losses in the Southeastern Conference for Vandy after going down 64-53 against Auburn.
Sam Waardenburg hit double figures for the sixth time this season and the third time in the last seven games but Miami University Hurricanes fell 64-57 at Boston College. Waardenburg’s 10 points came without missing a shot (2/2 3PG, 1/1 2PG, 2/2FT). The former Rangitoto small forward also corralled 5 rebounds and came up with a steal and a block – the Hurricanes 3-10 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Callum McRae had his ninth double figure outing of the season, and sixth in the last nine games, in California Riverside’s 87-64 loss at Hawaii. The Manawatu centre scored 13 points on 5 from 8 shooting and also connected with all three attempts from the foul line.
Matt Freeman had half a dozen points as Oklahoma Sooners beat Texas Christian 71-62. The former Westlake forward also added 3 rebounds and a block. It was a welcome win for Oklahoma that improve to 4-9 in the Big 12 Conference after suffering five straight losses.
Six was the common denominator with Jackson Stent slotting half a dozen points (2/5FG, 2/2FT) as Houston Baptist came from behind to defeat Nicholls State 88-82. The Huskies are now 5-7 in the Southland Conference.
Wrap on the women’s performances coming up later in the week.
LACEY LOWDOWN 