Tausi Royals reach WBDL final

DAR ES SALAAM: TAUSI Royals have reached the Women’s Basketball Dar es Salaam League (WBDL) final after beating Vijana Queens 72-47 in the fourth semi-final playoff at Don Bosco Oysterbay on Wednesday night.

The victory gave Tausi Royals a 3-1 series win in the best-of-five playoff and secured their place in the league final.

Tausi Royals won the opening game 71-62 before Vijana Queens levelled the series with a 67-52 victory.

Tausi Royals then regained the advantage with a 63-56 win in the third game before sealing the series with a convincing victory in the fourth match.

Vijana Queens started strongly, leading 15-14 in the opening quarter, but Tausi Royals responded by dominating the second quarter 19- 3. They maintained their momentum in the third and fourth quarters, winning 17- 15 and 22-14 respectively.

Jesca Ngisaise led Tausi Royals with 31 points, while Judith Pantaleo added 18. Lisiane Ngalula was Vijana Queens’ top scorer with 19 points, followed by Sharon Kirabo with eight.

Tausi Royals also produced 18 assists, with Ngisaise and Wande Jaha contributing four each, Lissa Masanja and Diana Mwendi three apiece, and Pantaleo two.

ALSO READ: Royals, Reel Dream emerge as 2026 WBDL threats

Head coach Daudi Maiga attributed the success to the strategies the team adopted at the start of the season, aimed at challenging for the league title.

He also praised the players for their discipline, teamwork and ability to follow instructions during matches.

In the other women’s semi-final played at the same venue on Wednesday night, DB Troncat beat Reel Dream 59-52 to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive and force a decisive fifth game.

DB Troncat led 18-11 after the opening quarter before Reel Dream won the second 17-12. DB Troncat responded by taking the third quarter 10-8 and the fourth 21-14.

Jesca Lenga top-scored for DB Troncat with 24 points, while Gift Kaonga added 12 points and 18 rebounds. Tadiwa Mabika contributed 12 points and 15 rebounds. Evelyne Nakiyingi led Reel Dream with 18 points, while Dorcas Marondela scored nine.

The result followed Reel Dream’s 85-39 victory over DB Troncat in the third game, which had given them a 2-1 series lead. In the men’s category, defending champions Dar City and Stein Warriors have already secured their places in the BDL final.