JKT crowned new basketball champions

JKT emerged the champions of the 2017 National Basketball League (NBL) tournament after defeating Oilers by 90-82 points, during the classic finale staged at the National Indoor Stadium, Dar es Salaam over the weekend

It was an action-packed game which brought together best basketball teams and players in the country under one roof, making it extremely hard to predict which side was likely to carry the day.

JKT were good at both defending and attacking such that they looked more dangerous when marching upfront towards the enemy’s territory. The first quarter saw the army side leading Oilers by 21-17 points in a tight battle as each team was still studying the weakness and strength of the other, while Oilers committed many fouls in their first two periods.

In the second quarter, Oilers came a bit transformed team as they too, began to play their usual physique match which they perfectly managed to kick out Vijana in their semifinal clash.

However, JKT stood firm and won the quarter by 21-18 points. In the third quarter, it was the must win turn for the Oilers so as to revive their chances of winning the trophy as well as to instill hope to their cheerful fans, whose morale inside the venue was vibrant.

The army team, however, continued to prove to their supporters that finishing on top position in their group B male’s category did not come by chance but rather they worked hard for it after registering a slim 21-20 points lead, which made it difficult for their opponents to come back into the contest.

The last quarter was the most exciting of all the quarters, basing on the level of competition displayed by both teams. No wonder, it ended by both teams getting 27-27 points, which was a fair result for JKT, while for Oilers, it was the end of their championship route.

The venue exploded into applauses after the end of normal period of play in favour of JKT, their opponents Oilers finished as runners-up, while the third and fourth places went to Savio and Vijana respectively.

In women category, Don Bosco Lioness mercilessly demolished Vijana Queens 107-57 points to scoop the first position as their opponents occupied second position.