Basketball in Africa

By Brown Msyani, Zanzibar

Oilers of Dar es Salaam hit the Tornadoes 100-35 in the ongoing Union Basketball Tournament at Amani Stadium courts yesterday.
Inexperienced Tornadoes slumped to a humiliating 110-53 defeat to Savio in their opening match.
Oilers meet resurgent Savio in today’s final. They stand a better chance of clinching the trophy following their mercurial form.
Savio sailed through to the final after edging out Stone Town of Zanzibar 59-53 in a well-contested game held at the same venue.
Led by Mohamed Yusuf and Jije Makani, Savio laboured for the victory as Stone Town’s shot blockers thwarted most of their opponents’ moves.
Speaking about today’s final, Savio playmaker George Tarimo said they would go all out in a bid to beat their old adversaries.
“They have been playing very well lately, but we’re confident to defeat them, we’re all ready for the battle,” he said.

Backed by Mbesso Construction, Oilers began their ride to the final with 68-65 win over Savio before defeating Rangers 79-52 in their second game.
Gerard Baru and Lusajo Samuel have so far proved too difficult to mark in all matches they have played.

Stone Town defeated Sixers 62-52 to romp into the semifinals while Mzinga earned a 40-0 walkover after JKT decided not to show up.