Basketball in Africa

By Burton Brown, Morogoro
Vijana City Bulls of Dar es Salaam recorded their first win in the National Basketball League, after beating Dodoma Spurs 62-53 in a thrilling match held at the Jamhuri Stadium, here.
Vijana, who opened the league with a 52-61 defeat by JKT Oljoro of Arusha, played a better game on Tuesday with much determination to win.
Vijana, the runners up last year, fielded many new faces, who lacked experience in big events.
Spearheaded by the team’s veteran player, Mohamed Ally Dibo, Vijana led in all four quarters.
But the club missed key players such as Obote Mwambongo, Shisarya Mwiki, Jacob Malenga and John Mcharo.
The much improved Salim Machemba was the top scorer of the match with 24 points, followed by Dibo who slammed in 17 points for the winners.
In another match, title holders Savio beat Pazi 66-42, to record their second consecutive victory after the 69-41 win over Warriors on Monday.
The league continues today when Cargo Ladies face Young Warriors, while Oilers are pitted against Pazi at the same venue.