Ajax made to work for win

AJAX prevailed in the end, but it was made to work hard by the Andy Bay Falcons on Tuesday night.

The side claimed a 6360 win in the latest round of women’s club basketball, coming back after trailing by double digits.

A strong third quarter was key for the defending champion.

After going to halftime down 3724, Ajax held the Falcons to just three thirdquarter points.

It was able to capitalise on that defensive effort at the other end, as well.

Guard Nicole Ruske — who finished with a gamehigh 22 points — led Ajax’s comeback, managing nine the team’s 16 thirdquarter points as it snatched back the lead.

It went into the final quarter ahead at 4640, but the Falcons were able to stall the momentum.

Alana Wouters scored to get the score back to 4848, before Ruske answered with a threepointer to restore Ajax’s lead.

Ajax held on from there, although the Falcons remained in the game until the dying seconds.

The Falcons had shot out to a fast start.

They pushed the ball up the court well and finished the first quarter strongly to lead 2617 at the first break.

Zoe Richards was instrumental through that period, scoring 12 of her 18 points during that run.

It maintained its lead in the second quarter, although it began to slow down as momentum swung Ajax’s way.

The South Pac Magic v Varsity game was deferred and will be played at a later date.