Basketball in Africa

NATIONAL Basketball League (NBL) defending champions ABC are in good position to retain the title as they top their group in the ongoing battle at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
ABC are leading Group B, dubbed as 'Azam Cola', with six points -- one ahead of the country's former basketball giants Vijana 'City Bulls' after winning three consecutive games and have a game in hand to complete the group stage.
The army men have already assured themselves of a ticket to the quarter-finals. Group C, alias 'Azam TV', is led by Savio who have collected eight points and have already completed their group stage games.
They are followed by Pazi, who have seven points. Both have cruised into the quarter-finals. JKT lead Group A, called 'Azam Energy drink', with six points after their 116-76 win against Chang'ombe United, who are at the bottom of the table.
Bandari Tanga are in second position with six points after defeating Chui 75-61. JKT top the group on goal difference. Jeshi Stars lead the women's category called 'Azam Uhai'.

They are followed by Don Bosco Lioness. Both are tied on points but Jeshi Stars are ahead on goal difference. The men's quarter-finals take place today while the semi-finals are scheduled for tomorrow and the final is slated for Sunday.
The teams are pooled as follows: Group A: JKT, Bandari Tanga, Chui and Chang'ombe United. Group B: ABC, Vijana, Kurasini Heats, Young Warriors and Oilers.
Group C: Tanzania Prisons, Savio, Pazi, Jogoo and Mabibo Bullets. Teams in the women's group are Jeshi Stars, Don Bosco Lioness, Tanzania Prisons Queens, Kurasini Divaz and Vijana Queens. ABC are men's defending champions, while Don Bosco Lioness hold the women's crown.
Winners of borh categories will face their Zanzibar counterparts for tickets to represent the country at the Zone Five tournament to be held in Mombasa, Kenya in August.