Dar City, Tausi Royals take BDL semi-final leads

DAR ES SALAAM: DAR City and Tausi Royals made winning starts to the Dar es Salaam Basketball League (BDL) men and women’s semi-finals after beating Vijana Basketball Club 61-56 and Vijana Queens 71-62 respectively in Game One at Don Bosco Oysterbay on Tuesday night.

Vijana BC, also known as City Bulls, led 37-28 at halftime after winning the opening two quarters 13-8 and 24-20.

Dar City responded strongly after the break, outscoring Vijana 16-6 in the third quarter to take a 44-43 lead before extending their advantage in the final period, which they won 17-13.

Cheikh Diallo led Dar City with 16 points, while Sisco Ngaiza added 18 points and 16 rebounds. Nkosinasi Sibanyoni contributed 11 points and 11 rebounds, while James Amotoe scored 13 points.

Isaac Wembo was Vijana’s top scorer with 21 points, while Victor Michael posted a double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds.

Dar City head coach Mohamed Mbwana saluted his players for their execution and for maintaining their unbeaten run.

Wembo said City Bulls are ready to bounce back in Game Two, promising a stronger performance.

He said the team would focus on reducing pressure on the court and limiting turnovers that affected their performance in the opening game.

In the women’s semi-final, Vijana Queens led 54-50 after three quarters but Tausi Royals turned the game around by outscoring them 21-8 in the final period.

Tumaini Ndosi led Tausi with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Judith Pantaleo scored 21 points and Divine Irakoze added 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Maria Mbena led Vijana Queens with 15 points, while Salma Sandali scored 14.

Unbeaten Tausi Royals reached the semi-finals after receiving a walkover from DB Lioness, who withdrew from the quarter-finals, while Dar City defeated Veins BC 2-0.

Pantaleo said the opening game had exposed areas they needed to improve before today’s Game Two, adding that they expected stronger opposition.

Vijana Queens’ Nasra Abdallah said they would work on their mistakes and return stronger in the second game.

The semi-finals continue today at Don Bosco Oysterbay, with Tausi Royals facing Vijana Queens before Dar City take on Vijana BC.

The other men’s semifinal pits Pazi against Stein Warriors, while Reel Dream face DB Troncatti in the women’s semi-final, with both series getting underway yesterday evening.

The semi-finals are being played in a best-of-five format.