BNL Round 8: Suns beat Panthers in the most crucial game of the week

Emmanuel Shine

There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in BNL. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Johannesburg. Top-ranked Suns faced second-ranked Panthers. Guests from Tshwane (5-0) defeated host Panthers (3-2) 73-59. Suns had a 40-26 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was DR Congolese power forward Emmanuel Shine (199-1994) who had a double-double by scoring 21 points and 21 rebounds. DR Congolese forward Josias Bantaleka (196-2002) chipped in 15 points and 10 rebounds. Suns' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Dyvonne Pfachi (-1995) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds for the hosts. Undefeated Suns have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 5-0 record. Panthers at the other side keep the second place with two games lost. They share the position with M.Rhinos and WC Mountaineers. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game in Bloemfontein supposed to be also worth to mention about. Second ranked Mountaineers (3-2) played at the court of 5th ranked Warriors (1-3). Mountaineers smashed Warriors 87-43. The former international center Stephen Gabriel (205-1991) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds. Miguel Ferrao contributed with 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Elias Galane replied with 8 points and 6 rebounds for Warriors. Warriors' coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Mountaineers maintains second position with 3-2 record having just two points less than leader Cape Town T., which they share with S.Panthers and M.Rhinos. Warriors at the other side keep the fifth place with three games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game in Johannesburg was also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Rhinos (3-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Magic (1-4). Rhinos managed to secure a 8-point victory 76-68 on Saturday. Worth to mention a great performance of Thabo Mafetho who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds. Dylan Lele responded with 28 points and 8 rebounds. Rhinos moved-up to second place, which they share with S.Panthers and WC Mountaineers. Loser Magic keeps the sixth position with four games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

In the last game of round 8 FS Warriors were defeated by M.Rhinos in Mbombela 79-67.