ABC, Savio and Oilers teams have set up an intriguing title chase in the ongoing Dar es Salaam regional basketball league after winning their respective matches over the weekend.
The three teams are perched at the top according to the latest league standing released by Basketball Dar es Salaam (BD).
ABC, Savio and Oilers beat Tanzania Prisons, Chang’ombe Boys and Chui, respectively, to mount an exciting battle for the title alongside holders JKT, who now need to improve their performance should they wish to successfully retain the trophy.
ABC’s 83-71points win over Tanzania Prisons last Sunday, propelled them back to the top position as they now have 18 points from nine appearances.
The revitalized army men, led by their talented players Haleluya Kavalambi, Gilbert Batungi, Filbert Mwaipungu and Ibrahim Mwinyi, have won eight matches, lost one and collected a total of 572 goals. They conceded their first ever defeat to rivals JKT last Saturday.
Savio are right at the ABC’s heels trailing with 17 points from eight matches, winning seven, losing one and a total of 590 goals. Third-placed Oilers have also garnered 17 points from nine matches with six wins, three defeats and a total of 562 goals.
JKT are fourth with 16 points from eight matches, winning six matches and conceding two defeats. Despite being in a rather uncomfortable position, the holders boast of a productive attacking force having collected 711 goals.
Fifth placed Vijana seems to be the only team outside the top four with the ability to a stage significant fight after collecting 13 points from seven games, winning six, losing one and a total of 439 goals.
The women category of the league has witnessed a tight race where big guns Jeshi Stars and JKT Stars are neck and neck with eight points apiece from four games.
They both boast of an unbeaten streak but Jeshi Stars have a superior goal average having scored a total of 304 goals to don the driver’s seat with JKT Stars in the second position with 266 goals.
Don Bosco Lionesses are the other serious challengers who are now in the third spot with seven points from four games, three wins and one defeat. The team whose attacking weapons include regulars Amina Ahmed, Esther Nelson and Khadija Kalambo, have collected 288 goals so far.