Don’t miss the action: BA U20 Championships, Court 6, Day 5
In the world of basketball, the New South Wales team, often referred to as B1 and B2, has emerged as a true force to be reckoned with. Following their remarkable performance in the semi-finals of the Basketball Australia Under-20 men’s championships, this dynamic duo deserves the spotlight.
Bailey Macarthur and Bailey Hanson teamed up to secure the sky blues a vital victory, marking their most significant win in over ten years at the Under-20 championships.
WATCH THE COMPLETE REPLAY IN THE PLAYER ABOVE; SCROLL DOWN FOR ADDITIONAL REPLAYS FROM COURT 6.
Leading the charge, Macarthur delivered an impressive game-high of 26 points, while Hanson contributed with 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Together, they propelled NSW to a thrilling 96-89 victory against the defending champions, Victoria, in the semi-final.
This win positions New South Wales for a shot at claiming their first gold medal at the Under-20 men’s national championships since the days when Patty Mills was dominating the competition nearly two decades ago.
Additionally, combo guard Jayden Tawake made a notable impact off the bench, adding 14 points to the scoreboard with an efficient shooting performance of 4-7 from the field.
For the Victorians, it was a heartbreaking loss. They had led by as much as ten points at one moment in the game and seemed to be comfortably on their way to the finals. However, the NSW team found their rhythm from beyond the arc, particularly during a pivotal third quarter filled with three-point shots that ultimately paved the way for their victory.
The semi-final day on Court 6 was packed with excitement, including some electrifying Ivor Burge matches earlier in the day. The matchup between ACT and Victoria in the Ivor Burge Women’s preliminary round was anticipated to be fiercely competitive, and it certainly lived up to expectations.
In a dramatic twist, the Victorians turned the tide, snatching a thrilling one-point victory after establishing an early lead against their rivals. Madilyn Janssen shone brightly for ACT, finishing with an impressive 25 points and 19 rebounds, keeping her team within striking distance. Despite Jasmin Funnell’s usual dominance on the boards being less pronounced, the Victorians maintained control throughout the match.
However, in a nail-biting finale, ACT rallied back to cut the deficit to just one point in the final two minutes, only to fall short at the buzzer, concluding the match at 56-57.
Jessica McCulloch was instrumental for Victoria, securing 18 points and 14 rebounds, while teammates Montana Haag (14 points, 8 rebounds) and Taila Martin (13 points, 10 rebounds) also played key roles in clinching the victory for their team.
This sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating grand final showdown between Victoria and New South Wales. The latter displayed overwhelming strength against South Australia, winning decisively with a score of 83-52.
REPLAYS AVAILABLE:
- Queensland vs. Western Australia (IB Men Consolation)
- Australian Capital Territory vs. Victoria (IB Women Semi-Final 2)
- Queensland vs. Victoria Navy (U20 Men Consolation 1)
- Western Australia vs. Tasmania (U20 Women Consolation 2)
LOOKING AHEAD:
The upcoming clash between Victoria and New South Wales in the men’s semi-final is sure to showcase an array of talent. Scheduled for Saturday at 7 PM on Court 6, this match features two teams that were favorites to win the championship going into the tournament. The victor will advance to face either South Australia or Western Australia in Sunday’s final.
Catch all the action live streamed exclusively on KommunityTV.
Both teams are entering this match brimming with confidence, fully aware of their strengths and depth. For Victoria, the combined efforts of Austin Foxwell, Jai Fa’ale, and Lachlan Kanngiesser will be crucial to their chances as favorites. Meanwhile, New South Wales relies heavily on the contributions of Bailey Hanson, Bailey Macarthur, and Ethan Marten, all of whom have demonstrated their significance throughout the tournament.
In other happenings on Court 6, the ACT will face off against Victoria in an Ivor Burge women’s semi-final, while Western Australia and Tasmania will compete in a women’s consolation match starting at 11 AM.
Every single match of the Basketball Australia Under-20 and Ivor Burge National Championships will be live streamed exclusively on KommunityTV from January 27 to February 1.
