BNL Round 6: Tigers keep a leadership position

Sita Conteh

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Tigers as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Tigers smashed 5th ranked Magic in Cape Town 76-47. Tigers forced 19 Magic turnovers and outrebounded them 53-41 including 41 on the defensive glass. It was a good game for American forward Sita Conteh (203-1998, college: Coppin St.) who led his team to a victory with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Swingman Nkosinathi Sibanyoni (-1998) contributed with 8 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Forward Markus Geldenhuys (198, college: Shawnee St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 15 rebounds for Magic. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Magic at the other side dropped to the sixth place with three games lost. Magic will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Tigers will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Mountaineers in Cape.
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Marlins (2-1) in Kwazulu. Hosts were defeated by Suns (4-0) 77-72. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Marlins. DR Congolese power forward Emmanuel Shine (199-1994) had a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Mvelo Buthelezi chipped in 8 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals during the contest. The best for the losing side was swingman Sifiso Gininda (186-1998) with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Suns have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 4-0 record. Marlins at the other side dropped to the second place with one game lost. They share the position with WC Mountaineers. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
An interesting game for Panthers (3-1) which hosted in Johannesburg 4th ranked Eagles (0-2). Third ranked Panthers had an easy win 88-46. Mukuni Chapula notched 30 points to lead the effort. Even 13 points and 7 rebounds by Lebogang Bassie did not help to save the game for Eagles. Eagles' coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Panthers moved-up to second place. Loser Eagles still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with EC Windbreakers. Panthers will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Eagles will play against Windbreakers (#4) in Johannesburg and hope to get finally their first victory.

In the last two games of round 6 KZ Marlins smashed NC Zebras on the road 104-57. Tshwane S. destroyed NW Eagles on its own court 96-43.
The most impressive performance of 6th round was 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals by Gleen Bidza of Tshwane S..