One of the two Kiwi representatives in the Men’s NCAA Tournament exited in the first round on Saturday.
Thomas Webley, the Cantabrian forward, secured 2 rebounds plus a pair of blocks as University of Hartford Hawks were ousted 79-55 by #1 Baylor.
Making their first NCAA Tournament appearance Hartford made an impressive start leading 14-13 after 12 minutes before Baylor, favoured to reach the Final Four, pulled away for a clear-cut win.
Webley, the former Cashmere High School standout, has enjoyed a successful freshman year scoring in double figures twice and averaging 3 points and 2.6 boards in 21 appearances for the America East Conference champions.
At the Men’s National Invitation Tournament (NIT) James Moors and Colorado State won an exciting contest against Buffalo 75-73 on Saturday.
The former Westlake Boys forward scored 11 points (5/10FG) and added 5 rebounds and a brace of assists, blocks and steals.
Emme Shearer led the Portland scoring in the Women’s NIT claiming 13 points (3/4 3PG) as the Pilots comfortably navigated their way past Abilene Christian 67-42. The former Harbour Breeze guard also posted 3 rebounds and a pair of assists.
Also with a win were Charlotte Whittaker and Colorado University Buffaloes who charged past Louisiana 68-45. The Cantabrian forward scored 6 points on 3 from 4 shooting.
Not such good news from Fordham as the Rams were butted 77-49 by Delaware. Kendell Heremaia was close to a double-double with 9 points and 9 rebounds plus 4 assists.
Coming up Sunday:
Men’s NCAA Tournament
Abilene Christian (Tobias Cameron) v #3 Texas
Women’s Basketball Invitational Second Round
Portland (Emme Shearer) v Florida International/Northern Arizona
Women’s NIT Second Round
Colorado (Charlotte Whittaker) v Nebraska
Women’s NIT Consolation Round
Fordham University (Kendell Heremaia) v Ohio
Monday
Women’s NCAA Tournament
Washington State (Charlisse and Krystal Leger-Walker) v South Florida
Tuesday
Women’s NCAA Tournament
Virginia Commonwealth (Akiene-Tera Reed) v #4 Indiana
Kaylee Smiler and Tegan Graham (BYU) v Rutgers
#3 Arizona (Tara Manumaleuga) v Stony Brook
LACEY LOWDOWN 