THE nation’s envoys Pazi Basketball Club have begun their Basketball African League qualifier in a dull, following their defeat by the South African side, NBA Academy by 84-57 points.
The South African-based club asserted absolute dominance over Pazi controlling all four quarters. The resounding triumph not only showcased their unrivalled prowess but also fortified their position as an undeniable force to be reckoned with on the court.
In the opening quarter, NBA Academy seized control, outscoring Pazi by a 23-18. The second quarter saw Pazi initially leading, but NBA Academy’s prowess shone through as they extended their lead to 43-35 by halftime.
Pazi’s early control slipped away as NBA Academy capitalized on their size advantage, with Tanzanian players exhibiting remarkable sharpness on the court.
The advantage NBA Academy players had against national envoys was their physique, especially their height and energy. The South Africa-based club dominated defensively with good and timely blocking shots and securing rebounds.
Their height also translated into more successful three-pointers scoring, which Tanzania only scored twice three-pointers in the entire game.
The third quarter looked in favor of NBA Academy who scored 22 points. The score was better than Pazi for more than three times, as the latter collected seven points.
As the match edged to conclude NBA Academy augmented their authority with an additional 19 points, concluding the game at 84-57. Pazi’s effort netted only 14 points in the last quarter, falling short of NBA Academy’s dominant performance.
Pazi’s defeat comes on the heels of success, having recently defeated Burundi’s Dynamo to win the Group C first-round qualifying title. Their flawless qualification for the elite 16 round towards the BAL 2024 finals marks a historic achievement, making them the first local team to lead the qualifying group.
As NBA Academy continue to make waves, their blend of height, skill, and strategic play position them as a formidable contender in the upcoming basketball season.