Tausi Royals have secured a spot in the final of the Women's Basketball Dar es Salaam League after defeating Vijana Queens 72-47 in the fourth semi-final playoff. The match took place at Don Bosco Oysterbay on Wednesday night. This victory sealed their 3-1 series win in the best-of-five playoff. The Royals initially won the first match 71-62 but lost the second game 67-52. They regained the lead with a 63-56 win in the third game.
The match against Vijana Queens was intense, with Vijana leading 15-14 in the first quarter. However, Tausi Royals dominated the second quarter 19-3 and maintained their advantage. They won the third and fourth quarters 17-15 and 22-14, respectively. Jesca Ngisaise was a standout performer for the Royals, scoring 31 points. Judith Pantaleo contributed 18 points to the team's success.
For Vijana Queens, Lisiane Ngalula was the top scorer with 19 points, followed by Sharon Kirabo with eight points. Tausi Royals demonstrated strong teamwork, registering 18 assists. Ngisaise and Wande Jaha each provided four assists, while Lissa Masanja and Diana Mwendi added three apiece, and Pantaleo contributed two. The team's head coach, Daudi Maiga, attributed their success to the strategies implemented at the start of the season.
Coach Maiga commended the players for their discipline, teamwork, and adherence to instructions. He emphasized that the team's focus on challenging for the league title paid off. The win against Vijana Queens sets up a final match for Tausi Royals, although their opponents are yet to be determined. In another semi-final match on Wednesday night, DB Troncat defeated Reel Dream 59-52.
The match between DB Troncat and Reel Dream was closely contested, with DB Troncat leading 18-11 after the first quarter. Reel Dream won the second quarter 17-12 but lost control in the third quarter 10-8. DB Troncat sealed the match with a 21-14 win in the fourth quarter. Jesca Lenga topped the scoring for DB Troncat with 24 points.
Gift Kaonga supported Lenga with 12 points and 18 rebounds, while Tadiwa Mabika added 12 points and 15 rebounds. For Reel Dream, Evelyne Nakiyingi led with 18 points, and Dorcas Marondela added nine points. The result came after Reel Dream's earlier 85-39 victory in the third game, which gave them a 2-1 series lead. The series will now proceed to a decisive fifth game.
In the men's category, defending champions Dar City and Stein Warriors have already secured their places in the BDL final. Tausi Royals' advancement to the final marks a significant milestone for the team. The team's performance in the league has been impressive, with key players stepping up in crucial matches. The final match is expected to draw significant attention from basketball fans.
Key points
- Tausi Royals won the semi-final series 3-1 against Vijana Queens.
- DB Troncat and Reel Dream will play a decisive fifth game in their semi-final series.
- Dar City and Stein Warriors have secured spots in the men's BDL final.
