BNL Round 5: Panthers lose to Marlins

Bandile Nsele

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise took place in Kwazulu where host Marlins (1-0) beat Panthers (2-1) 74-62 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Panthers. Marlins forced 20 Panthers turnovers. The best player for the winners was the former international Bandile Nsele (187-1991) who scored 21 points and 7 rebounds. Power forward Storm Gilchrest chipped in 12 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. Marlins' coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Mthokozisi Masondo (200-1998) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 16 rebounds for the guests. Marlins maintains third place with 1-0 record behind leader WC Mountaineers, which they share with Cape Town T. Panthers at the other side still keep top position with one game lost. They share it with WC Mountaineers. They were replaced at the leadership position by WC Mountaineers. Panthers will play next round against strong Eagles trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Marlins will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Suns in Tshwane.
The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Mountaineers as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Mountaineers defeated second-ranked Pride in Cape 69-51. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The former international center Stephen Gabriel (205-1991) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds. Miguel Ferrao contributed with 22 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. DR Congolese power forward Damien Kasongo (200-1997) answered with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds for Pride. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with S.Panthers. Pride at the other side keeps the second place with two games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Undefeated Warriors (1-1) recorded its first loss in Bloemfontein on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by sixth ranked Magic (1-2) 56-48. Markus Geldenhuys stepped up with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Job Mashwabathi responded with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 17 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Magic left bottom position moving up to fifth place, which they share with M.Rhinos. Loser Warriors dropped to the fourth position with one game lost. Magic will meet higher ranked Tigers (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Warriors will have a break next round.

In the last two games of round 5 FS Warriors defeated L.Pride in Bloemfontein 70-68. M.Rhinos lost to undefeated Cape Town T. at home 65-83.
The best stats of 5th round was 23 points by Nathan Kayinda of M.Rhinos.