Basketball in Africa

by Oliver Albert

Despite losing to host Dar es Salaam in their preliminary match, Mwanza basketball team yesterday revived hope of progressing well in the Inter-Cities championship after beating Kampala by 47-40 points in a match played at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Up to the end of the opening quarter, Mwanza were ahead of their opponents by 15-13.
The lake side city boys picked up after introduction of Juma Kisoky who made a big difference in attacks with 19 points to his credit to extend the lead to 32-28 at the half time mark.
The highly contested game saw Mwanza team struggling to edge visiting Kampala side that reduced the margin to trail by a mere two points at the end of the third quarter (35-33).

Kisoky added three more points.
Mwanza team skipper Kizito Bahati said they are determined to put up a spirited fight in the subsequent games.
"We started the match at cracking pace especially in the first two quarters although we under-performed in the third one," said Kizito.
Kampala's skipper Moses Opera said it was one of the tough matches they have played and they were stunned by the quality of display by of their opponents.
In another match played at the same venue, hosts Dar es Salaam wrapped up 68-26 points in a one-sided encounter against Arusha.
Up to the half time mark, Dar es Salaam were leading by 30-15 points.