Tausi Royals have advanced to the Women's Basketball Dar es Salaam League (WBDL) final after defeating Vijana Queens 72-47 in the fourth semi-final playoff at Don Bosco Oysterbay. The win secured a 3-1 series victory for Tausi Royals in the best-of-five playoff. The team had won the opening game 71-62, but lost the second game 67-52 to Vijana Queens. Tausi Royals then regained the lead with a 63-56 win in the third game.
The match against Vijana Queens saw Tausi Royals dominate from the second quarter onwards. Vijana Queens started strongly, leading 15-14 in the opening quarter. However, Tausi Royals responded by winning the second quarter 19-3 and maintained their momentum in the third and fourth quarters, winning 17-15 and 22-14 respectively. This convincing victory sealed Tausi Royals' place in the league final.
Jesca Ngisaise was the top scorer for Tausi Royals with 31 points, while Judith Pantaleo added 18 points. Lisiane Ngalula was Vijana Queens' top scorer with 19 points, followed by Sharon Kirabo with eight points. Tausi Royals also demonstrated strong teamwork, producing 18 assists. Ngisaise and Wande Jaha contributed four assists each, Lissa Masanja and Diana Mwendi three apiece, and Pantaleo two.
Head coach Daudi Maiga attributed the team's success to the strategies adopted at the start of the season, aimed at challenging for the league title. He praised the players for their discipline, teamwork, and ability to follow instructions during matches. The team's performance has positioned them as strong contenders for the WBDL title.
In the other women's semi-final, DB Troncat beat Reel Dream 59-52 to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive and force a decisive fifth game. The match was played at the same venue on Wednesday night. DB Troncat led 18-11 after the opening quarter before Reel Dream won the second quarter 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 points. 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. Tausi Royals' achievement in the women's category adds to the excitement of the league, with strong teams competing for the top spots. The final matches are expected to be intense and closely contested.
Key points
- Tausi Royals secured a 3-1 series win against Vijana Queens to reach the WBDL final.
- DB Troncat forced a decisive fifth game in their semi-final against Reel Dream.
- Defending champions Dar City and Stein Warriors have already secured their places in the men's BDL final.
