Final Score: 72-33 (Cambridge)

The Blues Top Scorers: Léonie de Jonge (16), Becky Illingworth (12), Paloma Navarro (12), Jess Hunt (12), Pia Hecher (6)

Average Free-throw Accuracy: 60%

After the loss against Nottingham University and a week off in the Midlands 1A League due to a postponed match, the Cambridge Blues were ready to step back on the court with renewed strength. Their efforts were rewarded with a comfortable 72-33 win over Chichester, which guarantees the team a place in the quarter finals of the BUCS Cup competition.

Despite a slow start that saw the Blues struggle to get ahead on the scoreboard, they managed to establish their superiority from the first whistle. Mie Monti led the team in full court defensive pressure from the start of the game, forcing Chichester to make a number of turn overs before they could cross the half court line. However, this fast pace also caused the Blues to make a number of mistakes and poor passing was punished by the opposition so the score remained tied through the first quarter.

Not satisfied with the 3 point lead they had, the Blues stepped up their game in the second quarter, dominating both on offence and defence, scoring 22 points compared to Chichester's 4. Jess Hunt's strong drives to the basket coupled with Becky Illingworth's excellent shooting kept the team's energy and confidence up through the quarter which enabled them to close the first half 36 to 15.

The start of the second half saw the Blues overpower the visitors again. Paloma Navarro and Léonie de Jonge led the team in this period, pushing on the fast break for uncontested lay-ups which Chichester could not stop. However, Cambridge did not rest on their laurels, working to try new plays on offence and switching from man to man defence to a 2/3 zone.

After the advantage gained in the previous 2 quarters, the Blues lost some of their momentum, and Chichester managed to score 15 points in the final quarter. Cambridge's superiority on the court was evident from the beginning of the game, reflected by the final score of 72-33. Aware of the importance of this match for progression in the BUCS Cup and looking ahead to Varsity (26th of February) the Blues were happy that their efforts in training sessions paid off this Wednesday, and look forward to coming back even stronger next term.

Although there are no more games scheduled for this term, you still have the chance to see and play with the Blues on December 2nd, between 18:00 and 20:00 at the fundraising event they will be hosting for ALS charities. For more information on this event, visit the Club's website.