Flying start for gritty Savio in Super Cup

Dar es Salaam. Savio launched their Super Cup Basketball League campaign with a 69-63 win over Pazi in a thrilling match at the Spiders ground on Saturday night.

“I am very happy that everything worked out according to our plan, and that we have successfully been able to sound a warning note to our next opponents,” Savio playmaker Brian Mramba said after the match.

Mramba, one of the best basketball players in the country at the moment, fought bravely to score 20 points for Savio while his teammate Amin Mtambo, popularly known as Babu, had 18.

The well-attended game was very tight in the early minutes of the first quarter, as both teams displayed impressive basketball skills, pressing upfront in turn in search of points.

Players continued tight marking each other in the second quarter, but during the course of the game, they got tired and started playing freely.

”It was a tough match. This is a clear indication that we have all it takes to win the Super Cup,” Mramba added.

After a tight battle in the opening minutes, Savio, who successfully retained the Dar es Salaam Regional Basketball Association (RBA) League title a few weeks ago, took the quarter 15-14.

The second half was even more thrilling. Pazi, looking unperturbed, pressed upfront relentlessly in search of points. It ended on a 18-15 score in their favour.

In the third quarter, Savio were a more aggressive side. Looking hungry for points, they marched to a 16-15 victory.

Although Pazi fought desperately for a win in the last quarter, their opponents remained firm until the final whistle.

Martin Kolikoli was a notable player for Pazi after posting 22 points. His teammate Abuto Biko added 16.

In another men’s game, Vijana, popularly known as City Bulls, went down 68-56 to Oilers at the same venue.