UNZA Pacers march into Basketball Africa League Second Round Qualifiers

JOHANNESBURG (South Africa) - University of Zambia Pacers edged Lions from Namibia 70-66 to register their fourth victory in Group E of the Basketball Africa League Qualifiers to finish second on the table standings and an automatic slot in the Second Round. 

Dingani Hara came off the bench to score 16 points, four rebounds and two assists to inspire the Zambian side to a much-needed win that showed their character and relentlessness as a team. 

The Pacers outscored the Lions in the first half to lead 34-25 at the half time break but the latter roared out loud in the third quarter dropping an incredible 15 points while limiting their opponents to just eight points. Lions led 48-42. 

In the last quarter, the Lions who were rotating just seven players run out of steam as the Pacers deep bench brought on fresh legs to give the starters a breather and eventually sealed the all-important victory that confirms a place in the next stage. 

Maxwell Ngonga and Joseph Chilufya added 11 and 10 points to the statistics board as the university side made their intentions known on the continent. 

Michael Popisi Mukumbutaa was left disappointed after sinking a game high 26 points, 26 rebounds and four steals but his efforts were not enough to help the Lions come out on top. 

Meanwhile, Ferroviario de Maputo maintained their unbeaten run with a convincing result over hosts Jozi Nuggets 87-70 to improve their win ratio to 5-0 at the regional competition. 

Canivete Jr scored five of eight attempts on the free throw line

Four players registered double digits for the Mozambican giants in a tie that further shone a light on their efficiency and gulf in class as compared to their opponents at the competition. 

David Canivete Jr netted 19 points and eight rebounds while his teammates Baggio Chimonzo, Alvaro Calvo Masa and Ermelindo Novela added 19, 18 and 11 points in that order to help Ferroviario to a fully deserved victory. 

Ferroviario were solid on both ends of the court and their size in the paint played a key role especially on the boards as they collected 50 rebounds compared to the hosts 36. 

Meanwhile, Zimbabwean outfit Mercenaries defeated Dolphins from Botswana 80-68 to improve their win ratio to 2-2 and a third place finish in Group E. 

FIBA