Savio surge on as Oilers go down fighting

Dar es Salaam. High-flying Savio maintained their smooth run in the Dar es Salaam Regional Basketball (RBA) League with a 93-40 win over Magnet in an exciting match at the Harbours Club court on Sunday night.

The match brought two teams with identical game approach, but it was Savio who enjoyed possession and ensured they open a sizeable score margin, particularly in the last two quarters.

Mzamilu Khamis and Gery Wakesa were the players that Savio depended on the most when it came to attacking and scoring. The duo’s work ethic was enough to make the rest of the squad play with composure.

Khamis had 33 points while Wakesa and Amin Mtambo scored 27 and 12 points respectively to steer Savio to their fifth victory in six games this season. Savio, needing a win to remain serious contenders for the title, made a bright start, and it came as no surprise when they took a 30-5 first quarter lead.

After a wobbly start, Magnet, looking unperturbed, were a more aggressive side in the second quarter.

The quarter saw them coming up with a bigger force and improved tactics. They claimed a 20-11 lead.

The third quarter was even more thrilling. Savio, seeking to regain their lead, pressed upfront relentlessly in search of points. After a tight battle, Magnet slightly lost steam, allowing their opponents to take the quarter 20-11.

It proved to be a see saw game in the third quarter with both sides outdoing opposite guards to add points, but this could not stop Savio from winning 29-11. In the fourth quarter, Savio never relaxed. They took it 14-13.

Earlier, JKT Stars survived a scare before registering a 65-35 win over Oilers Princesses at the same venue.

Oilers Princesses’ Nusrant Njarita and Fatma Machenga scored 17 and six points for JKT Stars before Amina Athuman added four.