TANZANIA : Jeshi, Savio crowned Union basketball champs

By Brown Msyani, Zanzibar
Jeshi Stars defeated Don Bosco Lioness to claim Union Basketball League in a thrilling final held here yesterday at Amani Stadium courts.

Led by Faraja Maliki, Jabu Shaaban and Lucy Augustine upfront, Jeshi Stars, however, had to sweat profusely before posting 50-44 at the end of the fiercely fought encounter
It was their third title this season after the Regional Basketball League(RBA) they won in March and the National Basketball League(NBL) grabbed a month later.
"Our mission is now accomplished after winning our third title," said Jeshi Stars captain, Lucy Augustino.
Jeshi Stars took a slim 26-22 lead at the break. Jabu Shaaban led Jeshi’s assault after netting 15 points as team-mate Faraja Malaki scored 12 points.
They widened the gap to 45-33 at the end of the third quarter and finished their onslaught with five more points at the end of the final quarter.
Lady Lioness top scorers were Zakia Kondo who penned 11 points and Jasmine Bablia who netted 9 points.
Savio defeated Oilers 63-44 to claim the men’s title in the second final match held at the same venue. Savio also claimed the NBL title in April this year after defeating Oilers in Dar es Salaam.
The newly crowned champions showed intent to win from the word go, pinning their opponents at their own domain.
They recorded a 15-12 lead in the first quarter, before stretching their muscle to lead 30-26 at the break.
The third quarter was very disastrous to Oilers as Savio came strong to post hefty 46-34 at the end.
Savio fired 17 points in the fourth quarter while restricting Oilers to garner only 10 points the period.
Mohamed Yusuf displayed an outstanding game and was at the top of things as he led the scoring chart with 21 points. His team mate Paschal Nsana contributed 15 points.
Evergreen, Dominic Zakaria led the charges for Oilers, scoring 19 points, while team-mate Lusajo Samuel assisted with 8 points but their efforts ended in vain.