BNL Round 8 (Regular Season): Panthers lose their first game against Magic

There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in BNL. What a coincidence that all visitors won their games. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Panthers (2-1) in Johannesburg on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by Magic (4-0) 82-73. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Panthers. Magic forced 32 Panthers turnovers. 25 personal fouls committed by Panthers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Kwazi Gumede (191-1997) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 7 rebounds and Yanick Kasilembo who added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks during the contest. Center Liam Reid-Laynes (206-1998) responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Magic have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record. Panthers at the other side keep the second place with one game lost. They share the position with Mountaineers. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Mbombela. 4th ranked host Rhinos (0-3) lost to third ranked Eagles (2-2) 67-55. The winners were led by Jeremie Luvaika who had that evening a double-double by scoring 22 points and 15 rebounds and Phenyo Gomba supported him with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Eagles' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 23 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks by Lehlohonolo Mhlongo did not help to save the game for Rhinos. Eagles maintains third position with 2-2 record having just two points less than leader Suns. Rhinos at the other side still closes the standings with three games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.




Panthers - Magic 73-82

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Panthers (2-1) in Johannesburg on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by Magic (4-0) 82-73. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Panthers. Magic forced 32 Panthers turnovers. 25 personal fouls committed by Panthers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Kwazi Gumede (191-1997) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 7 rebounds and Yanick Kasilembo who added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks during the contest. Four Magic players scored in double figures. Center Liam Reid-Laynes (206-1998) responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Benjamin Myburgh (185-1997) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Magic have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record. Panthers at the other side keep the second place with one game lost. They share the position with Mountaineers. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Panthers: L.Reid-Laynes 23+17reb+4ast, S.Dzingwa 15+8reb+1ast, B.Myburgh 11+8reb+10ast, K.Romenoh 9+10reb, K.Motsieloa 7+5reb+4ast, R.Barthis 6+1ast
Magic: K.Gumede 19+7reb+1ast, Y.Kasilembo 14+9reb+2ast, O.Noko 13+3reb+5ast, D.Lele 12+7reb+3ast, E.Ozabor 8+7reb+1ast, J.Tawengwa 6+2reb

Rhinos - Eagles 55-67

The game between Top Four teams took place in Mbombela. 4th ranked host Rhinos (0-3) lost to third ranked Eagles (2-2) 67-55. Eagles forced 23 Rhinos turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Eagles brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. The winners were led by Jeremie Luvaika who had that evening a double-double by scoring 22 points and 15 rebounds and Phenyo Gomba supported him with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Eagles' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 23 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks by Lehlohonolo Mhlongo did not help to save the game for Rhinos. Guard Vusi Sibeko (-1991) added 9 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the hosts. Eagles maintains third position with 2-2 record having just two points less than leader Suns. Rhinos at the other side still closes the standings with three games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Rhinos: L.Mhlongo 23+11reb+2ast, V.Sibeko 9+12reb+4ast, U.Mavuso 8+7reb+3ast, H.Matusow 7+4reb+3ast, T.Gumede 5+4reb+3ast, S.Zulu 2+5reb+3ast
Eagles: J.Luvaika 22+15reb+3ast, P.Gomba 12+8reb+5ast, L.Kasanda 12+3reb+3ast, B.Boikanyo 7+4reb+9ast, L.Mputle 6+2reb, T.Nzama 6+2reb