Basketball in Africa

NAIROBI today fell 64-65 to Dar Es Salaam in their opening East and Central Africa Inter Cities championships at the Sheikh Ahmed Abedi Stadium, Arusha.

In a game played under scorching sun, it was Nairobi who had the better of their opponents taking a 43-37 lead at half time as Dar charged from a poor start where Hilda Luvandwa hit 3 three pointers and added a basket for an easy cruise.

But the second quarter and the third were a different game as Nairobi visibly tired, Dar controlled the tempo scoring 13 points without reply. The third was worse as they missed shots after shots managing only a single free throw as Dar raked in 22 points.

But the fourth was a hard fought one as Nairobi gave their all recovered to tie the scores 49-49 on a fee shot by Luvandwa and Caroline Achieng and Angela Luchivya points saw another 54-54 tie with time running out and the team pressing profusely.

Nairobi took the fourth 17-16 but again the slim margin that Dar had build in the two middle quarters saw them carry the day amid roar from their supporters.

Luvandwa potted 21 points while Achieng added 12 for Nairobi, who must win the second game and final one on Saturday to habour any hope of reclaiming their title. Dar had Facy Malaki scoring 16 points while Danita Mbanda made 12.

In the second game, Mombasa (Kenya) beat Tanga 100 – 50, Patrick Kirui shot 14 points and Mike Shigaria dded 17 to guide Mombasa men to a 100-50 win over Tanga. The winners led 23-12,24-15, 24-13 and 29-10 in the four quarters. Gidibo Tindwa shoit 17 while Ibrahim Musa hit 9.

Kampala (Uganda) won 83-35 over Mogadishu (Somalia) as they took the quarters 28-13, 20-9, 16-8, 19-5. Jeff Omondi made 22 points and John Okea had 15. For the losers, Mohammed Ali scored 13 and Aden Omar sunk 12.

Harare (Zimbabwe) dismissed home side Meru (Tanzania) 51-33 after taking a 15-4, 18-10, 14-3 and 6-4 margin in the four quarters. Changestai Govered managed 11 points and Stephen Mudawarima notched game high 21. For Meru, Eliza Mwabubusi was the only player to hit double figures, he had 10.

The games were declared open by the Managing Director of Arusha International Conference Center Elishilia Kaaya.

Matches to be played at two courts in Soweto from 8am

Arusha v Dar (women) - Courts A
Tanga v Meru 10 am - Courts B
Dar v Kampala - Courts A
Mombasa v Harare - Courts B
Arusha v Nairobi (women) - Courts B
Arusha v Mogadishu - Courts A