KIBAHA (Tanzania) - It is an exciting final day at the Road to BAL East Division Group D qualifiers as four teams fight for two slots to the Elite 16.
The opening match, scheduled for 4 PM (EAT) pits unbeaten Urunani, the Burundi champions, against Madagascar's GNBC while Nairobi City Thunder (NCT) play hosts JKT in the final match of the competition from 7 PM (EAT).
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GROUP D STANDINGS IN THE RUN-UP OF OCTOBER 20, 2024
Urunani lead the standings on six points from three wins while NCT and GNBC are tied on five points after and identical 2-1 ratio, the former ahead on point difference.
Hosts JKT are fourth on four points after registering their first win on Saturday against Beau Vallon Heat who finished the competition winless (0-4).
GNBC v Urunani
Coach Mamadou Gueye's men, Urunani, are virtually assured of a place in the Elite 16. Victory today leaves them perfect in their quest. Defeat, would mean they finish on seven points, but can only lose their spot if they concede enough points to dent their superior point-difference.
"We are not taking this game lightly as GNBC are a good side. However, the target was to qualify unbeaten and we are going for that, finish strong," Urunani captain Landry Ndikumana told FIBA.basketball.
On their part, Lova Raharidera's charges GNBC are well aware of the challenge the Burundians pose but are optimistic. The side lost their penultimate match 96-60 to NCT, after a perfect 2-0 run, a result Solonirina Ndranto attributed to poor ball handling.
"For tomorrow's (Sunday 20 October) game, we're going to do our best. They're a strong side as well but we will fight," Ndranto said after Saturday's loss.
JKT v Nairobi City Thunder
In the second match, the hosts are chasing victory for six points.
If they beat Nairobi City Thunder they would be tied with the opponent, as well as GNBC, in the event of a loss to Urunani. JKT head to the match on a -34 while Thunder have a 66 point difference advantage.
"We respect NCT but we are confident we can match them. It will be a fight but we have a game plan and are ready to take them head on," Amin Mkosa offered.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan champions need a victory against the hosts for seven points while also keen to keep their advantage on point-difference should GNBC stun Urunani for seven.
"Playing against the home team is never easy but we are ready. We have scouted them well and, just like we have in the previous matches, we will bring the energy needed to win," NCT's Ariel Okall told FIBA.basketball.
The top two finishers represent the Group in the next phase of qualification, the Elite 16 set to tip off tentatively on 12 November.
FIBA