BNL Round 7 of Regular Season

Lebogang Bassie

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most shocking disappointment of round 7 in the BNL was a home defeat of 4th placed Windbreakers (0-3) to fifth ranked Eagles (1-2) 89-84 in the game for the fourth place. Eagles forced 25 Windbreakers turnovers. 30 personal fouls committed by Windbreakers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for Lebogang Bassie (192-1989) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 16 rebounds. Manasse Kabasele helped adding 19 points and 11 rebounds. At the losing side power forward Julian Wright (196-1990) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. It was the only win of guest team this round and in all other games host teams recorded victories. Eagles left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with M.Rhinos. It was Windbreakers' third loss in a row. They still close the standings with three games lost. They share the position with NC Zebras. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Cape Town. Leader host Tigers (3-0) smashed their biggest opponent Mountaineers (2-2) 106-46. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Mountaineers. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Akeem Springs (193-1994, college: Minnesota) who led the winners and scored 32 points and 5 steals. Nkosinathi Sibanyoni accounted for 21 points and 15 rebounds. The former international center Stephen Gabriel (205-1991) came up with 9 points and 7 rebounds for Mountaineers in the defeat. Mountaineers' coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Tigers have a solid series of three victories in a row. Newly promoted Tigers maintains first place with 3-0 record. Mountaineers at the other side keep the second position with two games lost. They share it with L.Pride. Tigers will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Mountaineers will play on the road against Warriors in Bloemfontein and it may be a tough game between close rivals.