Kalambo steers Vijana Queens to hefty win

KHADIJA Kalambo and Tukusubira Mwalusamba were instrumental as the country’s envoys in FIBA Zone 5, Vijana Queens regained form to claim massive 106-30 victory over Ethiopia’s Wolkite at the Benjamin Mkapa court in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday night.

Kalambo poured home six three-pointers while stamping 34 points as Mwalusamba fired home 23 points with sixteen rebounds and five assists for Vijana Queens.

Prior to their Wednesday night win, Vijana Queens suffered a 64-40 loss to Rwandan’s APR in the group B opener on Monday.

Aredo Mekorin scored 10 points, had 3 rebounds and 3 assists for the Wolkite who have lost two games in a row.

Vijana Queens tactician Ashrafu Harun applauded the team’s efforts though he claimed that it still needs to undergo major reforms ahead of their next duels.

The victory saw Vijana Queens back in action yesterday evening in the difficult game with the defending champions, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

Haruna said: “The KPA team has many players with vast international competitions, we have a tough duel ahead of us, I have to keep my team in shape to win the game,” said Harun.

During Wednesday’s game, Vijana Queens dominated right from the start to lead the first quarter 19-8 and the second quarter with 28-8 lead and went into breather leading 47-16.

They were even stronger in the second half taking 31-7 in the third quarter before hitting 30-9 in the closing quarter to seal a 106-30 victory.

The day also saw the defending champions KPA maintain their perfect start with a 67-48 second victory over Rwanda Energy Group (REG).

KPA were unstoppable, taking an 18-9 lead in the first quarter, REG came back strong in the second quarter to lead 17-9. But KPA made a quick comeback in the third quarter downsizing their opponents to a 17-16 before taking 15-14 lead in the fourth quarter and seal a win.

KPA’s Victoria Reynolds finished with a game-high 22 points and four assists followed by Kristina Morgan who scored 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Nine teams are taking part in the tournament.