Thursday 06-02-2025 - 09:00

Huddersfield Men’s 1s secured a comprehensive 68-38 victory over Leeds Trinity in a dominant performance that showcased their offensive firepower and defensive solidity throughout the game.

The game got underway with Leeds Trinity drawing first blood. After a strong dribble from number 8, he finished with a tip-in off the backboard, giving Trinity the early lead. Huddersfield had a slow start, missing two open three-point attempts. However, they responded quickly as 17 converted a fast-break layup, drawing the game level.

 

Trinity regained the advantage with a well-executed pass sequence that left number 14 wide open for an easy basket, but Huddersfield hit back almost immediately. A fast break following a defensive rebound allowed Huddersfield to score another two points. The home side then found their rhythm, as they drained their first three-pointer of the evening from the right wing, followed by a second three-pointer from the same spot to push them into a slight lead.

 

After a period of back-and-forth play, Trinity broke down the Huddersfield defence again with a strong drive, earning a layup. The visitors then regained the lead with a three-pointer, but Huddersfield responded with another three to go back ahead. A decisive play came from 17, who attacked the basket with pace, breaking past three defenders for an acrobatic finish and two more points. Huddersfield closed out the first quarter leading 17-11.

 

The second quarter began with Huddersfield coming out strong. Number 7 knocked down a three-pointer from the top of the arc, extending their lead to 20-11. Player 4 followed suit, drilling another three-pointer to give Huddersfield a comfortable 12-point advantage. Leeds Trinity tried to chip away at the deficit, with number 17 committing a foul and allowing Trinity to convert both free throws. However, 17 quickly made amends, breaking down the defence with a fast drive to the rim and scoring another layup.

 

Leeds Trinity struggled to capitalise on a solid possession spell, missing open looks and failing to convert in transition. Huddersfield, on the other hand, added two more points from the free-throw line after being fouled. Trinity managed to hit their first three-pointer of the second quarter, but Huddersfield responded by extending the lead to 31-21 with a series of quick scores.

Leeds Trinity found themselves missing opportunities, unable to break Huddersfield’s press, as the home side continued to capitalise on fast breaks and forced turnovers. The quarter ended with Huddersfield firmly in control at 31-21.

 

The third quarter saw Huddersfield maintain their dominance. The quarter started with a simple two-pointer from 17, who found space in the paint. Leeds Trinity attempted to answer with a three-pointer, but the ball hit the backboard and missed. Huddersfield then executed a beautiful pick-and-roll play, with 17 attracting defenders before passing to 4 for a wide-open three-pointer, extending the lead to 17 points.

 

Trinity struggled to find any rhythm offensively as Huddersfield’s defence stifled their shooters, forcing them to miss free throws and rushed shots. Huddersfield quickly transitioned from defence to offence, with 17 leading the charge again, attacking the basket for another two points. As Trinity fouled again, Huddersfield made the most of their free-throw opportunities, converting both shots from the line.

 

A quick pass from 17 to 12 saw the ball looped in for another two-pointer, and Huddersfield continued to punish Trinity for their mistakes. As the third quarter wound down, Huddersfield took a commanding 50-27 lead after another successful fast break.

The fourth quarter was more of the same, with Huddersfield running away with the game. After drawing another foul, 16 converted 1/2 free throws. Leeds Trinity did momentarily find their feet, scoring four consecutive points on two strong attacks, but Huddersfield responded with two quick points of their own to stop the run.

 

The game’s turning point came when 17 drained a huge three-pointer from the far right side, extending the lead further. The crowd erupted as 12 made a spectacular interception, leading to a fast break downcourt, where he finished with a thunderous dunk. Moments later, 17 showed his agility again, weaving through the defence for another layup.

 

Leeds Trinity continued to struggle to get clean shots off, as Huddersfield's pressure defence and fast transition play left them with little room to operate. Number 14 from Trinity managed to get a consolation two-pointer, but it was clear the game was well beyond their reach.

 

Huddersfield’s fast-break offence and solid ball movement were too much for Leeds Trinity to handle. As the final buzzer sounded, Huddersfield had secured a commanding 68-38 win.

 

Key contributions came from 17, who dominated both in transition and in the half-court, while 12, whose offensive presence made the difference late in the game. And it cannot be understated as to the importance of 4’s perimeter shooting which was ultimately crucial to the win. It was an all-round team performance that saw Huddersfield take full control of the match from the second quarter onwards.

 

Shoutout to Oliver Hudson, one of our Sports Media & Journalism students on last nights game!