Qualifiers: Ferroviario Maputo and Pacers stay on top of Group E

Group E

Mercenaries - Fer.Maputo 72-100

It looked good early as Mercenaries took a 1-point small lead at the end of first quarter. But then Fer.Maputo had a 28-21 second period charge getting the lead and Mercenaries were not able to take back game control losing it eventually 72-100. Fer.Maputo forced 22 Mercenaries turnovers and outrebounded them 47-30 including a 32-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of Spanish Alvaro Calvo (202-83, agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points and 12 rebounds and guard Pio Matos (185-90) who added 19 points during the contest. Swingman Tatenda Maturure (-98) responded with 27 points and 4 steals and power forward Neville Chivanganye (205-84) scored 15 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Fer.Maputo: A.Calvo 28+12reb+1ast, P.Matos 19+2reb+3ast, E.Novela 10+5reb+4ast, D.Canivete 8+5reb+5ast, O.Novela 8+6reb+1ast, L.De Barros 8+2reb
Mercenaries: T.Maturure 27+4reb+3ast, N.Chivanganye 15+5reb, I.Sithole 9+7reb+2ast, T.Chitsinde 5+2reb+1ast, T.Sanyatwe 5+3reb, T.Njovo 3+2reb

Unza P. - Dolphins 72-54

The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 43-22 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Unza P. dominated on the defensive end, holding Dolphins to just 5 points in fourth quarter. They also forced 23 Dolphins turnovers and outrebounded them 58-40 including a 25-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. The winners were led by Harisson Banda (-97) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds and Maxwell Ngonga (-96) supported him with 8 points and 13 rebounds. Unza P.'s coach used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 6 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists by American-Botswana forward Bushe Ramabu (198-97, college: Asbury) did not help to save the game for Dolphins. Swingman Ofentse Barrows (191-91) added 19 points and 4 assists for the guests.
Top scorers:
Unza P.: B.Harisson 15+13reb+1ast, T.Mapani 15+5reb, D.Hara 9+6reb+3ast, N.Maxwell 8+13reb+2ast, S.Lubinda 8+5reb+5ast, F.Chelebela 5+5reb+1ast
Dolphins: O.Barrows 19+2reb+4ast, K.Ndawanyana 9+7reb+2ast, N.Warikandwa 9+2reb+4ast, E.Ramoshebi 7+7reb+1ast, B.Ramabu 6+16reb+5ast, D.Keratile 2+3reb

Jozi N. - The Lions 67-74

The guests trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 41-29 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Jozi N. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Swingman Allan Nghixulifwa (191-85) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. Michael Mukumbutaa (196-89) contributed with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Neo Mothiba (200-82) replied with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 15 rebounds and South African forward Vusumizi Sithole (193-88) added 14 points in the effort for Jozi N.Jozi N.'s coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
The Lions: A.Nghixulifwa 20+10reb+3ast, M.Mukumbutaa 15+15reb+3ast, B.Joe 14+13reb+3ast, G.Chonhi 9+3reb+1ast, M.Kazeurua 9+5reb+1ast, M.Katoko 5+1reb
Jozi N.: V.Sithole 14+3reb+3ast, N.Mothiba 13+15reb+1ast, N.Thamsanqa 11+3reb+3ast, L.Selepe 9+6reb+2ast, L.Sibankulu 7+7reb+1ast, T.Sithole 5+1reb+2ast



Tags : ALVARO CALVO, FERROVIARIO MAPUTO, AFRICA BASKETBALL LEAGUE BASKETBALL