THE National Basketball League (NBL)
defending champions, ABC walloped Chang'ombe United 113- 29 at the
National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday. ABC dominated the
match from the start and took all four quarters.
They led 37-7 after the first quarter and added 22 points in the
second against United's five, to take a 59-12 lead at the interval. ABC
picked up where they left after the restart and extended their lead to
87-22 and showed no mercy as they went on to register a 26-7 score in
the final quarter, winning 113- 29 in the end.
Erick Kahangwa led the scoring chat for ABC after scoring 22 points
followed by Juma Kissoky, who scored 18 points while Akram Abdul scored
eight point for Chang'ombe United in a game that his team was outshined
in almost all departments.
United started the championship on higher note, following their 68-
61 victory over Dodoma Warriors, truly gave themselves a hide against a
superior opponents.
In another game played at the same venue Chui edged out a nail-biting
game against University of Dodoma (UDOM) after scrapping to a 44-41
win.
The game had to stop for sometime due to the ongoing seasonal rains
that left the playing court soaked and slippery as the National Indoor
roof was leaky.
The game resumed after the rain had stopped and the two teams were
very evenly matched and played a close game right up to the nail-biting
finish. Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) expects to spot and tap
talents from the on-going league who will be developed through several
scholarships granted through the sport.
The league brings together teams from Tanga, Dodoma, Mororogo, Lindi,
Arusha, Mbeya, Mtwara and Dar es Salaam. Participating teams include
Vijana City Bulls, ABC, Chui, Don Bosco, Oilers, Chang'ombe, JKT, Jogoo
Kurasini Hits, Ilala Flats, Don Bosco Lioness, Jeshi Stars and JKT - all
from Dar es Salaam for men and women categories.
Others are Tanga United, Tanga Kings and Risasi from Tanga, from
Dodoma is University of Dodoma (UDOM) and Mzinga from Morogoro. NBL
reigning champions for men's category are ABC and ladies category are
Don Bosco Lioness.
The event champions in men and women categories will battle with
their compatriots from Zanzibar for the tickets to represent the country
in Zone Five tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Mombasa,
Kenya later on August.