Basketball in Africa

By Brown Msyani

Vijana City Bulls came from behind to post 63-50 victory over high-spirited PTW Stars in a thrilling Regional Basketball League (RBA) encounter held yesterday at the National Indoor Stadium, Dar es Salaam.

Vijana blew off their opponent's lead in the third quarter to claim the hard-earned victory. Playing impressively in all sections, PT Stars managed to seal a slim 8-7 lead at the end of the first quarter and went to maintain their lead to 13-12 at half time.

The third quarter saw Vijana posting hefty 20 points as opposed to 8 points garnered by their opponents.

PT Stars regained composure in the final quarter to register 29 points while restricting Vijana to 24-point gain.
Saidi Hamisi who slammed home 14 points was the match�s most impressive player followed by his team mate Doto Zephania who chalked 12 points.
"My youthful team has slowly begun find the winning rhythm after a poor start. We have sorted out all problems that constituted our loss to Savio last week," said Vijana head coach Bahati Mgunda.

Vijana, who fielded many new faces, had to come from behind to win the match in a dramatic style.
Abdallah Hamisi of PT Stars penned 14 points and his team mate Osea Balaigwa ending with 8 points.
Vijana, one of the toughest basketball teams in Tanzania is trying to re-build up after losing their prominent players.
Their key players Mohamed Ally Dibo and Abdullah Ramadhan Dulla moved to Uganda last year where they have been playing impressively in the better paying Uganda MTN League.

Meanwhile, Savio won a walkover after their opponents Bias from Mbagala failed to report at the venue. The league organisers awarded Savio two points and 20 points.

The tournament, which started a fortnight ago, has attracted all Dar es Salaam prominent teams.