Nelson Direng
Correspondent Mmegi Monitor 18/04/2011
Defending champions, Troopers, started the 2011 basketball league on a good note, drubbing BDF V 37-61 on Friday at the University of Botswana (UB) courts. Despite the loss, BDF V waged a good fight early on and gave Troopers a hard time in the first quarter in a fast-paced match. BDF V led 12-11 at the end of the first quarter but let their opponents dominate them in the second to fall behind 35-24.
After half time, BDF V seemed to collapse as Troopers trampled them to end the third quarter 44-34 and finally win 61-37. Troopers' coach, Thomas Raglin, said he was impressed with the way his charges handled their first game of the season despite minor glitches. He said his team was a bit unsettled in the first quarter, which is why they fell behind. 'We, however, got back in the game quickly and managed to take the lead,' he said.
Raglin explained that in their next game, they will focus on concentration from the start. He said they will revisit the basics and work on improving their game-plan. BDF V coach, Kenosi Moruakgomo, said despite the fact they have lost their first two games, he is confident his team will eventually get back on track. In their first match, BDV V lost to UB Dolphins. The military side ended last season poorly. Moruakgomo said his team performs badly because he is trying new combinations.
'Today's game was also tough because we were playing against a tough team. We also had many turnovers and lacked boxing out for rebounds,' he said.