With a stellar defense and a very strong offensive showing, the (4) DRS Wildcats powered past the (13) YULA Panthers to advance to the quarterfinals on Friday. DRS’s press and aggressive offense was able to secure a comfortable victory of 67-48.
Although DRS came into this game as a higher seed than YULA, YULA had the clear height advantage. The Wildcats took advantage of what they were good at, namely pressing and moving the ball around. By doing so, they ensured that YULA never felt comfortable on the court.
To start the game, YULA began the scoring, but DRS kept the score tight with decent shooting and defense. Thanks do DRS’s press, DRS was soon able to gain a lead. The press kept constant pressure on YULA which DRS utilized to emerge from the quarter with a lead.
A couple minutes into the second quarter, DRS had jumped ahead of YULA with a 10 point lead thanks to the press and stellar ball-movement. Despite the very well coordinated DRS defense and thanks to the height advantage of YULA’s Eitan Kavosh and Michael Nagel over DRS, the Panthers were able to stay in the game exiting the quarter down nine points.
In the third quarter, DRS’s offense took control and senior forward Aryeh Ivry in particular did not let up. The quarter ended with DRS around 20 points up on the YULA.
Despite some trouble scoring for much of the last quarter, the Wildcats were able to hold on and secure the victory. DRS executed a consistent strategy that highlighted their strengths and hid their weaknesses. If their opponents continue to be unable to adjust, DRS should continue the success they saw tonight.
Up next, DRS will play the winner of the (5) Shalhevet vs. (12) Ida Crown game. YULA will face (20) Mekor Chaim in a Tier II qualifier at TABC on Friday.
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