NAIROBI (Kenya) - The Burundian side sweeps all to regional glory
They claimed the trophy with a hard fought 81-74 triumph over Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium Sunday.
Remesha, the only unbeaten team in the competition, trailed 26-25 in the first quarter. But Napoleon Abikunze heroics lifted them to a 45-39 scoreline at the break.
They raked in points to break away 53-41 in the third quarter and after the Kenyans closed in at 55-53, Paulin Gauthier points lifted Remesha up 63-55.
In the fourth, twice KPA fought back from a 10- point margin to storm back into contention with the last effort coming at 75-72 with 0:54 minutes left.
But Cedric Tsangue had other ideas. He calmed the nerves with two late foul shots as the team bench erupted in celebrations.
"It was not easy. We played against a very tough KPA side and we had to use extra effort to win the game. Our defense carried the day," said Tsangue
"I am happy for my young team. They gave this final their all but decision making is a problem we will have to work on," offered KPA coach Cliff Owuor.
Abikunze led the winners tally with 18 points, Steve Nsumizi 12 and Gauthier 11. KPA had 14 each from Trevor Opiyo and Lennox Wanje while Washington Ayiecho hit 13.
Dar City finish second after putting Les Hippos to the sword
Dar City trailed in the first half 18-12 but went into over drive in the second and third thrashing Les Hippos 84-50 to bag silver.
Nathaniel Brownlee shot 12 points in the first half for Dar who led 28-14 in the second and went to the breather ok leading 40-32.
In an easy third, a slam by Thabeet Hasheem had the scores 62-42. Brownie unleashed another pushing it to 82-46 with 4:29 left on the clock.
"Our game plan didn't work. We didn't shoot the ball well. They had 14 three pointers we had four. That was the difference," conceded Hippo coach Arsene Mfuranzima.
Anthony Simon made 25 points, Brownie grabbed 22 while Amin Mkosa hit 10 for Dar who led by as much as 36 points.
"We prepared well for this game. We pushed them hard. We had a game plan when Hasheem (Thabeet) was out for a breather. We are happy with the result."
Belo Nkanira picked up 14 for Les Hippos while Clement Karabona managed 10 for Les Hippos who trailed by as much as 36 points.
ABC best in battle of the winless
Going into this game, none of the two teams had posted a win. It was the bankers who took a 16-14 in the first quarter and another 22-19 in the second.
At the end of the third quarter ABC were up 53-44. The Tanzanians just did enough to frustrate Dumas who however took the last quarter 25-18.
ABC prevailed 72-69.
Sharp shooting Jonas Oberlin managed 24 points and had six rebounds while Omany Ndula scored 19 and Victor Joseph 10.
"Playing many games is not easy. We had three of our key players injured coming into this game. It is good we won at least one game. Said Oberlin.
Winless Dumas, who wound up last, had 17 points from Stephen Kago and 10 from Ivan Ombiro.
FIBA