UWE, Essex to join Loughborough in Finals; BUCS Final Four Recap

Loughborough have booked their spot in both the men’s and women’s BUCS Championship Finals, taking on UWE and Essex, respectively, following the semi-finals on Wednesday.

BUCS Men Semi-Finals

In the men’s, Loughborough dominated Solent 83-62 behind 25 points from Evan Walshe, with 14 from Blake Bowman and 13 from Elijah Bailey. Loughborough pounced early using a 30-14 first quarter to get comfortable, leading by 25 at halftime to cruise the rest of the way.

“We knew this was an important game for us, we knew our performance had to be better than what it was in the quarter final against UEL,” Loughborough Head Coach Will Maynard told Hoopsfix.

“The guys stepped up and we played together as a team and got the job done. Our defence was awesome to start the game and really for the whole of the first half which gave us opportunities to get out and run which definitely opened up the scoring for us.”

On the other half of the bracket, BUCS Premier South champions University of West England – Bristol (UWE) knocked out defending champions Newcastle with an 89-82 win, behind 19 points from Ebuka Ekwegh, 18 from Ephraim Tshimanga, a 9-point, 7-rebound, 8-assist effort from Corey Samuels and big performance inside from Malcolm Delpeche.

“Extremely proud of our attitude and effort against a very deep UWE team with good experience,” Newcastle Head Coach Mark Elderkin commented.

“We refused to quit fighting back four times from looking down and out to create an exciting finish. Good luck to UWE in the final.”

Newcastle were led by 28 points from Juvante Hayes.

UWE’s Delpeche, who finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks in the victory, said:

“It was hard fought, and ended up being a huge victory for us. The atmosphere was electric, the fans were elite, and we now we have a chance to make history for UWE.”

Loughborough will take on UWE in the final on BUCS Big Wednesday at 8pm on 22nd March at University of Nottingham.

“We know they have talent on their team and pose threats from multiple positions on the floor so it’s exciting to see how both teams match up,” Maynard added on the final match up. “It definitely has all the ingredients to be a great final.”

BUCS Women Semi-Finals

In the women’s, a 24 point outing from Oliana Squires saw Loughborough cruise to a 70-49 win over Newcastle and keep their dreams of a BUCS double alive. Emma Fee was the only other players in double figures for Loughborough with 10, while Maggie Justinak led Newcastle with 17.

In the other semi-final, Essex held off Durham 74-70.

Loughborough will take on Essex in the final on BUCS Big Wednesday at 5:30pm on 22nd March at University of Nottingham.

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