Dar City seal BDL final berth as Tausi Royals edge closer

DAR ES SALAAM: DEFENDING champions Dar City have booked their place in the Basketball Dar es Salaam League (BDL) men’s final after completing a 3-0 semi-final sweep over Vijana City Bulls at Don Bosco Oysterbay over the weekend.

Dar City won the decisive third game 65-40, following earlier victories of 61-56 and 84-31 to seal the best-of-five semi-final series without defeat.

They dominated the final quarter 24-0 after leading 41-40 at the end of the third quarter. Dar City had taken a 19-13 lead after the opening quarter before Vijana responded with a 16-12 second-quarter advantage.

Sicso Ngaiza led Dar City’s scoring with 22 points, while James Amotoe added 21 and Nkosinathi Sibanyoni contributed 13 points and 13 rebounds. For Vijana, Isaya Aswile top-scored with 10 points, followed by Victor Michael with eight and Isaac Wembo with seven.

The victory extended Dar City’s unbeaten run and made them the first men’s team to qualify for the BDL final. Dar City will now face either Stain Warriors or Pazi in the final. Stain Warriors currently hold a 2-0 advantage in their best-of-five semi-final series, with the two teams also meeting last night in a match that could determine the outcome of the tie.

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In the women’s BDL, Tausi Royals moved within one victory of the final after taking a 2-1 lead over Vijana Queens. Tausi Royals won the opening game 71-62 before Vijana Queens levelled the series with a 67-52 victory in the second match. Tausi then regained the advantage with a 63-56 win in the third game.

Tausi Royals coach Daudi Maiga said this year’s semifinals have been tougher and more competitive than in previous seasons, with every team determined to win the championship. Tausi Royals strengthened their squad for the playoffs by adding four players — Jesca Ngisaise and Wande Jaha from JKT Stars, Anamary Cyprian from Jeshi Stars and Amina Kaswa from Polisi Stars.

In the third game, Tausi Royals led 14-13 in the first quarter, 32-24 at halftime and 49-38 after three quarters before completing the 63-56 victory. Jesca Ngisaise led Tausi’s scoring with 21 points, followed by Noela Renatusi with 17. Maryshallet Anyiti was Vijana Queens’ top scorer with 17 points, while Sharon Kirabo added 12.