malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
BACK-TO-BACK defeats against Mozambique heavyweights Ferroviário da Beira and City Oilers of Uganda have ended JBC’s hopes for a place in next year’s Basketball Africa League (BAL).
The Zimbabwe side are in Pool B of the ongoing Division East Elite 16 in Johannesburg, South Africa, alongside BAL regulars Ferroviário da Beira, City Oilers and Indian Ocean Island powerhouse COSPN.
Two teams from the group progress to this weekend’s knockout stages, with the competition’s finalists sealing the two available slots.
JBC, however, look to be out of the running rather early, after losing 75-55 to Ferroviário da Beira on the opening day, and going down 84-71 to City Oilers at Ellis Park Arena on Wednesday.
Sam Phiri finished as JBC’s highest scorer with 16 points (two rebounds and three steals), while the duo of Dyvonne Pfachi and foreign-based small forward Nyang Wek each chipped in with 10 points each.
Parish Petty, on the other hand, turned out to be the difference-maker as the City Oilers’ guard finished with a game-high 29 points (seven rebounds, one assist and three steals).
He found assistance in the form of Dane Miller Junior (14 points, five rebounds, and three assists) and Germaine Vashon Roebuck who chipped in with 12 points (six rebounds and two steals).
Looking back, JBC have only themselves to blame, as the two teams were evenly matched for a huge chunk of the match.
JBC took an early 22-20 lead in the first quarter, after which Oilers hit back 25-23 in the second to ensure the two teams went into the break tied on 45 points.
The Zimbabwe team appeared to run out of gas during the second half, as they were outscored 17-20 and 9-19 in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.
JBC will wrap up their participation in the competition on Thursday when they play COSPN at Ellis Park Arena.
Online Reporter