JKT Stars in women basketball tourney final.

Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF)

JKT Stars cruised to the final of the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) women championship with a 81-49 rout of Zanzibar's JKU in the semi-final duel at the National Indoor Stadium in the city on Thursday.

 

JKT Stars, who are also the Dar es Salaam regional basketball league's women category champions, were thus expected to take on rivals, Jeshi Stars, in the final yesterday after the latter thrashed Vijana Queens, in another last four stage game. 

 

JKT Stars led 17-13 in the first quarter of the Thursday game and went on to dominate the second quarter to take a comfortable 22-7 lead.

 

JKU ladies showed flashes of stubbornness to keep their opponents at bay in the third quarter and take a slim 18-17 lead but JKT Stars regained control of the game in the last quarter to record a 25-10 lead and emerge victorious.

 

JKT Stars veteran forward, Doritha Mbunda, finished with 18 points topping her side's list of scorers. Lulu Joseph had 15 points, Asha Chege and Stella Kibwana scoring 12 points and 11 points respectively.

 

Dawa Haji scored 12 points, Magreth Constatino and Mariam Said notched 11 points and 10 points respectively for JKU.

 

JKU were expected to face Vijana Queens in the third place play off at the same venue yesterday afternoon after the latter succumbed to the 88-66 loss before experienced Jeshi Stars in the second semi-final.

 

Jeshi Stars recorded a 20-10 lead in the first quarter and then led 23-22 in the second quarter, which saw Vijana Queens stage a spirited performance.

 

Vijana Queens showcased determination to turn the tables on Jeshi Stars in the third quarter by taking a 19-17 lead but the latter regrouped in the last quarter to put the game beyond the former's reach with a 28-15 lead.

 

Jeshi Stars' dependable centre, Faraja Malaki, was in great form to record 18 points. Joyce Midodi scored 15 points, while Jasmine Bablia and Veronica Patrick scored 12 points and 10 points respectively. 

 

Bablia also had a good game defensively, in which she recorded nine rebounds and six blocks for the winners.

 

Vijana Queens' Imelda Hango topped her side's list of scorers with 15 points. Husna Khalfan scored 10 points, while Khadija Kalambo and Magreth Nicholaus scored nine points and eight points respectively.

 

TBF has organized the tournament through the body's women commission under sponsorship of CRDB Bank.

 

The tournament is held as part of celebrations to mark the World Women's Day, as well as promoting basketball among women in the country.