Ukonga Kings hit Pazi, ABC go down fighting

Dar es Salaam. Ukonga Kings put up a spirited fight to stun Pazi 68-58 in an exciting Regional Basketball Association (RBA) League game at the National Indoor Stadium on Sunday night.

The well-attended game was very tight, especially in the first quarter, as both teams resorted to defending tactics.

Whenever Ukonga Kings player could receive a ball, within seconds, a Pazi player could be behind his back.

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

After a tight battle in the opening minutes, Ukonga Kings piled up the pressure from the start of the first quarter crushing Pazi 17-12.

Pazi came out a more aggressive side in the second quarter, and it came as no surprise when they took the quarter 18-14. In the third Ukonga Kings, led by Rashid Yakub, regained their rhythm and quarter 20-13.

Pazi players lost steam thereafter and were easily succumbing to tight marking deployed by Ukonga Kings, who effectively used Yakub for defending and attacking roles.

The energetic player did not disappoint when going forward, slotting in rare two three-pointers midway through the last quarter and earned thunderous applause from his fans.

Ukonga Kings scorers were Yakub, who had 21 points and Ally Hashim had 15 while Daniel Kapongo netted seven. Yakub also led in three points brace by doing it three times while doing blocks seven times.

“I am very humbled to help my team beat Pazi and I must be thankful to my team mates. It was a tough match,” said Yakub shortly after the match. “This is a clear indication that we are steadily restoring our dented glory,” he added

Chris Abuto scored 15 points to finish the top scorer for Pazi. He was followed by Jairo Geofrey with 10 points while Denis Chibura had nine.

The teams competing for this year’s league are Vijana ‘City Bulls, JKT, Savio, ABC, Ukonga, Kings, Oilers, Chui, Jogoo, Prison, Db Young Stars, Mgulani JKT and Magnet.

Also on the list are Mabibo Bullets, Kurasini Heat, Segerea and Pazi.

The women’s teams include Don Bosco Lionesses, JKT Stars, Jeshi Stars, Vijana Queens, Ukonga Queens, Oilers Princesses, Kurasini Divas and Tanzania Prisons.