Basketball in Africa

Lusajo Samuel scored 29 points to spark Oilers past Morogoro’s Young Warriors 87-47 in a National Basketball League game played at the National Indoor Stadium yesterday.

Oilers, who were smarting from a slim 70-65 defeat to Savio, dominated the proceedings from the start.
Their determination and discipline helped them lead 19-12 until the end of the first quarter.
Young Warriors went to the court with a sense of confidence following their victory over Spurs in the opening tie, but failed to guard marauding Oilers playmakers who stretched the lead to 45-26 until the interval.
After the recess, the Dar es Salaam giants continued to trouble the Morogoro team and managed to add 16 points as opposed to 11 of the Warriors.
Young Warriors run out of steam in the final quarter after conceding 26 more points that sealed the Oilers deserved win.
Oilers gutsy playmaker Dominic Zachariah was outstanding in grabbing, assisting and scoring. He bagged 18 points for his side.
The Morogoro boys played well, but they paid the price for lacking sharpness in front of the basket.
Their points were scored by Deo Kipiki who chalked 13 while his teammate Abraham Ngatingwa fired eight points only.

In women’s category, Jeshi Stars extended their unbeaten run after sinking Red Lioness 63-52 in a nail biting game.
The Lioness started the game to a flier, leading 21-11 in the first quarter, but Jeshi Stars fought back to reduce the lead to 33- 28 until halftime break.
Jeshi Stars continued to regain their composure and eventually tied at 43-43 in the third quarter.
The Lioness will rue missed chances and shaky defending in the final quarter as to allow Jeshi Stars add 20 points that were enough to seal the win.
Faraja Malaki scored 17 points for her side followed by Lucy Augustino with 12 while Red Lioness got their points through Jasmine Bablia (21) and Amina Ahmed (17).
Jeshi Stars also recorded a resounding 98-32 win over hapless Police Dar es Salaam on Monday.