By Oliver Albert
Army basketball club (ABC) played brilliantly to post 77-51 win over Vijana City Bulls in a friendly basketball match at Mgulani court on Wednesday.
It was a build up match for ABC, one of three teams to represent Tanzania in the East and Central African basketball Championship slated to start on July 28 in Kampala.
The victory was a sweet revenge to ABC after losing to Vijana in the best of three semi final stage of Kili RBA last season.
Playing with determination ABC sealed 15-6 led right at the first quarter and maintained it 28-22 at the end of the first half.
ABC extended their lead to 56-32 at the end of the third quarter. The final quarter was even fascinating. Vijana managed to fire 23 points at the final quarter and restricted ABC to card 21 points at the fourth quarter.
Playmaker Gilbert Batungi, Steven Charles and Frank Majura were the pillar-heads of ABC victory.
Steven Charles emerged the match�s top scorer after posting 25 points followed by Majura who chalked 24 points.
Vijana relied on Mohamed Ally Dibo who combined well with Sylvian Maige and Obote Mwambongo upfront. However, their struggles failed to bar ABC from winning the match.
Sylvian Maige scored 21 points for Vijana while Dibo could only manage 11 point.
Today the two teams meet in the return leg at Zanaki School court the home base of Vijana.
Meanwhile National Sports Council yesterday presented national flag to ABC, JKT and JKT Stars the Tanzanian representatives in the Zone 5 Basketball Championship to be held in Kampala, Uganda.
The Deputy Secretary General of NSC Mohamed Kiganja who officiated the brief presentation ceremony urged the teams to fight bravely and win the top thrones.
All three teams are scheduled to leave for Kampala on Sunday, July 26, two days before the event�s take off.