Premier Women's SF, Men's and Women's World University 3x3 Championship in China, Premier Men's, U23 Men's and Women's SF's, possibly Finals and then UTSNZ Basketball Championships all in the next 3 weeks!!!

The LU Basketball's busy 3 week schedule kicked off last Thursday with an enjoyable and successful Quiz night fundraiser for the players heading to China for the 3x3 FISU World University League Finals. During the weekend the LU Premier Women's team took on the Pioneer Pacers in their semi-final and our 3x3 World University Men's and Women's teams head for China this evening. On their return the Premier Men, U23 Men and U23 Women will play their semi-finals in their respective grades. Following this LU Basketball will be playing in Men's and Women's UTSNZ 5 on 5 Basketball Championships being held in Christchurch.

Last weekend the U23 Men's side booked themselves into a semi-final, after finishing the regular season in 1st place with their unbeaten record in tact after a convincing win over the University of Canterbury A  side 79 - 54. The SF will be played on either Wednesday 20 or Thursday 21 September two days before the finals against the Wolverines. If LU win they will play the winner of the match against the Checkers and UC A being played this Saturday.

Our Premier Men's team have also made the semi-finals. Although they lost their quarter final against the Wolverines 79 - 82, by virtue of the fact that they were the top qualifiers means that they get an extra life through to the SF. They will play against the Checkers on either Wednesday 20 or Thursday 21 September two days before the finals. If they win the team will play the winner of the match between Pioneer and Wolverines on the 16 September. 

The U23 Women's side have also qualified in first place for their semi-final against the Wolverines after dominating UC Gold in their quarter finals 97 - 29. They will play on Wednesday evening 20 September at 6:40pm at Colwes Stadium.

In the only match played over the weekend our Women's Premier side was able to hold on to a narrow lead to beat the Pioneer Pacers 67 - 64 on Sunday. With 4 Lincoln players heading to China the team were very appreciative of Pioneer being able to play the match when they could. LU were up 20 - 18 at the end of the first quarter and had moved out to a 10 point advantage at the half time break. The Pacers found their rhythm and took the lead mid way through the third but some strong D and good shooting allowed Lincoln to get back on top at the end of the 3rd 54 - 47. The match came down to the wire and Pioneer were within striking distance only to be denied at the death with the Lincoln Ladies victorious 67 - 64.

Lincoln University, LU Sport and LU Basketball wish all of the players and management heading to Xiamen, China, for the 3x3 World University League Finals all the very best and trust they have safe travels. The team is very grateful for the generous sponsorship opportunities from Lincoln University and Huawei as well as the amazing hosting efforts from FISU and the Huaqiao University. You can follow their efforts here at the 3x3 World University League Finals