D2 Round 7: Mountaineers lose to Magic in the game between Top 4 teams

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The game between Top Four teams took place in Cape. 4th placed host Mountaineers (5-4) lost to third ranked Magic (7-2) 76-64. It was a great evening for naturalized Portuguese forward Miguel Ferrao (205-96) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points and 9 rebounds. The former international swingman Reece Prinsloo (203-91) helped adding 7 points and 16 rebounds. At the losing side guard Luthando Mpano (180-95) responded with 25 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Magic maintains third place with 7-2 record behind leader Tshwane S. Mountaineers at the other side keep the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with Mpumalanga R..
BNL top team - Suns (8-1) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed eighth ranked Eagles (2-7) in Potchefstroom 64-28. It was a quality performance for forward Kagiso Ngoetjane who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds. Marcus Mokwena accounted for 9 points and 11 rebounds. Swingman Thapelo Mkhatshwa came up with 10 points and 5 rebounds for Eagles in the defeat. Eagles' coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Suns have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They maintain first place with 8-1 record, which they share with Soweto P. Eagles at the other side dropped to the bottom position with seven games lost. They share it with 3 other teams.
The game in Limpopo supposed to be also quite interesting. Second ranked Panthers (8-1) played at the court of 6th ranked Limpopo Pride (4-5). Panthers smashed Limpopo Pride 70-44 on Saturday. Lebohang Mofokeng fired a double-double by scoring 11 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Panthers' coach felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Cecil Nkhwashu produced a double-double by scoring 12 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks for lost side. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Panthers. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Tshwane S. Loser Limpopo Pride keeps the sixth place with five games lost.
The game in Potchefstroom was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Panthers (8-1) played at the court of 8th ranked Eagles (2-7). Panthers defeated Eagles 82-67. Worth to mention a great performance of Tshepo Mogotsi who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Panthers. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Tshwane S. Eagles at the other side dropped to the bottom place with seven games lost.

In the last two games of round 7 Limpopo Pride lost to Mpumalanga R. on the opponent's court 61-67. Western Cape M. unfortunately lost to Mpumalanga R. in a home game 81-91.

NW Eagles - Tshwane S. 28-64

BNL top team - Suns (8-1) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed eighth ranked Eagles (2-7) in Potchefstroom 64-28. Suns held Eagles to an opponent 17.7 percent shooting from the field compared to 37.3 percent accuracy of the winners. Suns forced 22 Eagles turnovers and outrebounded them 52-41 including 23 on the offensive glass. They brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. It was a quality performance for forward Kagiso Ngoetjane who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Marcus Mokwena (-88) accounted for 9 points and 11 rebounds for the winning side. Swingman Thapelo Mkhatshwa came up with 10 points and 5 rebounds and swingman Graci Kibikiabo added 4 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Eagles in the defeat. Eagles' coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Suns have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They maintain first place with 8-1 record, which they share with Soweto P. Eagles at the other side dropped to the bottom position with seven games lost. They share it with 3 other teams.
Top scorers:
NW Eagles: M.Thapelo 10+5reb, M.Aubrey 5+9reb, K.Graci 4+8reb+3ast, R.Thomas 4+9reb+1ast, T.Tebogo 3, M.Prince 2
Tshwane S.: N.Kagiso 12+13reb+3ast, F.Mazowa 12+3reb+1ast, S.Mthembu 11+10reb, M.Mokwena 9+11reb+1ast, L.Malakia 7+5ast, L.Nqosa 5+4reb+2ast

Limpopo Pride - Soweto P. 44-70

The game in Limpopo supposed to be also quite interesting. Second ranked Panthers (8-1) played at the court of 6th ranked Limpopo Pride (4-5). Panthers smashed Limpopo Pride 70-44 on Saturday. Panthers held Limpopo Pride to an opponent 24.3 percent shooting from the field compared to 33.3 percent accuracy of the winners. Panthers forced 25 Limpopo Pride turnovers and outrebounded them 57-46 including 16 on the offensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Panthers made 7 blocks. Lebohang Mofokeng (-92) fired a double-double by scoring 11 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Tshepo Mogotsi (-92) chipped in a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 blocks. Four Panthers players scored in double figures. Panthers' coach felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Center Cecil Nkhwashu (206-93) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks and swingman Josias Malahlela added 7 points and 16 rebounds respectively for lost side. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Panthers. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Tshwane S. Loser Limpopo Pride keeps the sixth place with five games lost.
Top scorers:
Limpopo Pride: C.Nkhwashu 12+15reb, E.Masimini 9+4reb, L.Johannes 8+1reb+1ast, J.Malahlela 7+16reb+2ast, M.Mboweni 6+1reb, S.Vlademir 2+2reb+1ast
Soweto P.: T.Didier 17+3reb+1ast, T.Mogotsi 16+10reb+4ast, L.Mofokeng 11+17reb+2ast, C.Kabasele 10+8reb+2ast, D.Mitchell 7+1reb+2ast, K.Kabelo 4+5reb+2ast

Western Cape M. - Egoli Magic 64-76

The game between Top Four teams took place in Cape. 4th placed host Mountaineers (5-4) lost to third ranked Magic (7-2) 76-64. It was a great evening for naturalized Portuguese forward Miguel Ferrao (205-96) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points and 9 rebounds. The former international swingman Reece Prinsloo (203-91) helped adding 7 points and 16 rebounds. Four Magic players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Luthando Mpano (180-95) responded with 25 points and 7 rebounds and the former international Kyle Maclean (188-94, college: Keuka) scored 11 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Magic maintains third place with 7-2 record behind leader Tshwane S. Mountaineers at the other side keep the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with Mpumalanga R..
Top scorers:
Western Cape M.: L.Mpano 25+7reb+3ast, K.Maclean 11+6reb+1ast, S.Benge 8+9reb, V.Ntunja 6+3reb, S.Dzingwa 4+4reb+1ast, B.Chadleigh 4+8reb+1ast
Egoli Magic: M.Ferrao 24+9reb+2ast, G.Kwazi 12+4reb+6ast, M.Thibi 11+4reb, M.Mosebudi 10+7reb+2ast, B.Nsele 10+5reb+2ast, R.Prinsloo 7+16reb

Mpumalanga R. - Limpopo Pride 67-61

Everything could happen in Mbombela at the game between two tied teams. Both fifth ranked Rhinos and 6th ranked Limpopo Pride had identical 4-4 record. This time Rhinos used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Limpopo 67-61. Rhinos forced 25 Limpopo Pride turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Vusi Sibeko who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 6 rebounds. Swingman Nkosinathi Sibanyoni contributed with 8 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Rhinos' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Swingman Johannes Langa answered with 18 points and 7 rebounds and center Cecil Nkhwashu (206-93) added 9 points and 14 rebounds in the effort for Limpopo Pride. Rhinos (5-4) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Western Cape M. Limpopo Pride at the other side keeps the sixth position with five games lost.
Top scorers:
Limpopo Pride: L.Johannes 18+7reb, E.Masimini 16+3reb+1ast, T.Banda 13+3reb+5ast, C.Nkhwashu 9+14reb+1ast, J.Malahlela 5+12reb+2ast, B.Thabang 0+3reb
Mpumalanga R.: S.Vusi 17+6reb+1ast, T.Mogakabe 12+4reb+3ast, L.Richard 11+5reb+2ast, C.Tinotenda 9+3reb+2ast, S.Nkosinathi 8+11reb, Z.Sandile 4+5reb+1ast

NW Eagles - Soweto P. 67-82

The game in Potchefstroom was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Panthers (8-1) played at the court of 8th ranked Eagles (2-7). Panthers defeated Eagles 82-67. Panthers forced 26 Eagles turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Tshepo Mogotsi (-92) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds. Lebohang Mofokeng (-92) contributed with 17 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Thapelo Mkhatshwa answered with 22 points and 7 rebounds and swingman Graci Kibikiabo added 7 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists and 12 steals in the effort for Eagles. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Panthers. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Tshwane S. Eagles at the other side dropped to the bottom place with seven games lost.
Top scorers:
NW Eagles: M.Thapelo 22+7reb+2ast, R.Thomas 13+10reb+1ast, M.Aubrey 12+2reb+2ast, K.Thandokuhle 10+6reb, K.Graci 7+11reb+8ast, M.Azanda 3+1reb
Soweto P.: C.Kabasele 22+4reb, T.Didier 20+4reb+4ast, L.Mofokeng 17+9reb+2ast, T.Mogotsi 15+12reb+2ast, K.Kabelo 4+3reb+1ast, M.Sphelele 2+3reb

Western Cape M. - Mpumalanga R. 81-91

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Cape where fifth ranked Rhinos (5-4) defeated 4th placed Mountaineers (5-4) 91-81. Rhinos forced 27 Mountaineers turnovers. It was a very good performance for swingman Richard Lubasi who helped to win the game recording 31 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Swingman Nkosinathi Sibanyoni contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Isaac Luggude Kwate answered with 19 points and 6 rebounds and swingman Asiphamandla Mayi added 15 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Mountaineers. Four Mountaineers players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Rhinos moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Western Cape M.
Top scorers:
Western Cape M.: K.Isaac Luggude 19+6reb+1ast, M.Asiphamandla 15+8reb+2ast, L.Mpano 12+6reb+6ast, S.Benge 12+7reb, S.Dzingwa 9+4reb, B.Chadleigh 4+7reb
Mpumalanga R.: L.Richard 31+5reb+5ast, B.Jonny 19+5reb, S.Nkosinathi 16+16reb, C.Tinotenda 8+3reb+2ast, T.Mogakabe 4+1reb, Z.Sandile 4+2ast



Tags : MIGUEL FERRAO, EGOLI MAGIC, SOUTH AFRICAN BASKETBALL