UJ reigns supreme – back-to-back USSA Basketball 3x3 Champions

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is celebrating basketball dominance after a stellar performance at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) 3x3 Championships held at the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) on Saturday, 20 and Sunday, 30 June 2024.

[caption id="attachment_538324" align="alignnone" width="2560"] UJ Basketball Club with UJ Sport support staff[/caption]

UJ's Senior Men's 3x3 Team secured a second consecutive USSA title, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament!

Despite a roster featuring new players, the team seamlessly transitioned, displaying unwavering teamwork and determination. Such prowess was witnessed at the end of the tournament with Adrien Belo's exceptional performance earning him the coveted Finals Most Valuable Player (Male) award.

Sbongakonke Mkhwanazi and Nyeleti Nyathi were named an All-Star Male and Female Players, further solidifying UJ's dominance.

UJ Galaxy, the women's team, mirrored their 2023 achievement by clinching a well-deserved second-place finish. Despite a narrow 13-11 to UP-Tuks defeat in the finals, the team showcased remarkable fighting spirit throughout the competition.

[caption id="attachment_538325" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Adrien Belo, Nyeleti Nyathi and Sbongakonke won impressive accolades at the end of the 2024 USSA Basketball 3x3 tournament in Tshwane[/caption]

UJ Galaxy won five out of eight matches.

"We are thrilled with the results! Both teams displayed exceptional talent and drive," says UJ Basketball Head Coach Mandla Ngema.

He added, "The men's team was an unstoppable force, while the women's team's fighting spirit brought them within reach of the title. We are confident they will learn from this experience and emerge even stronger next season."

Game Highlights:

UJ Galaxy Wins (Round Robin): UJ 21-08 Rhodes, UJ 18-05 UL, UJ 11-09 WSU (with a semifinal win against TUT).

[caption id="attachment_538326" align="alignnone" width="2540"] From Left - UJ players John Olu-Daniels, Sbongakonke Mkhanazi, Adrien Belo and Thabang Ndlovu who won the USSA Basketball 3x3 Championship[/caption]

Men's Team Wins:

Day 1 - UJ 21-15 UP-Tuks, UJ 21-10 Walter Sisulu, UJ 21-6 Limpopo, UJ 20-08 Rhodes. Day 2 - UJ 18-14 TUT, UJ 17-02 NWU Vaal, Final win against TUT.

The UJ Galaxy comprised four players; Nyelethi Nyathi, Nelly Mahara, Alwande Zondi and Anamaree Tlhapa. The males’ team consisted of Sbongakonke Mkhwanazi, Adrien Belo, Thabang Ndlovu, and John Olu-Daniels.

The team was under the supervision of Head Coach Mandla Ngema, Manager Elize le Roux, Sport Scientist Kelello Tswai and Physiotherapist Nhlanhla Ndlovu.

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