Favourites dominate KBA opener

The Khomas Basketball Association (KBA) League returned to action last weekend, with results largely going according to script as favourites asserted their dominance at the University of Namibia (Unam) Gym Hall.

Featuring three divisions (premier league, women’s premier league and first division), the opening round treated fans to nine matches across Saturday and Sunday.

The final match of the weekend saw Unam Penguins fall 84-67 to last season’s runners-up Unam Wolves in their first taste of top-flight basketball.

Wolves’ inside dominance and experienced core proved too much for the newly promoted side.

They controlled most of the contest, taking the first three quarters 18-14, 26-15 and 21-16, before Penguins edged the fourth 22-19, but by then it was too little, too late.

Wolves led for 38:53 of the 40 minutes and stretched their biggest advantage to 28 points at 82-54.

Wolves the better side

Wolves imposed themselves in the paint, moved the ball better and were more efficient, while Penguins showed flashes through hustle plays but struggled to convert their chances.

Wolves shot 45.6% from the field compared to Penguins’ 32.1%, and were especially effective inside, converting 25 of 44 two-point attempts (56.8%) to Penguins’ 19 of 55 (34.5%). This translated into a 48-34 advantage in points in the paint.

They were also more organised offensively, finishing with 23 assists to Penguins’ 15, an indication of better ball movement and shot selection.

Penguins found some positives in their bench contribution, outscoring Wolves’ reserves 27-5, while also edging second-chance points (11-6) and points off turnovers (24-18). However, poor shooting and inefficiency prevented them from capitalising on these areas.

They also held a slight rebounding edge (53-51) and forced 26 Wolves turnovers, but failed to convert these into sustained scoring runs and spent most of the game chasing.

Penguins shot just 7/26 from three-point range and 8/19 from the free-throw line. Wolves, despite struggling at the line themselves (16/35), still got there far more often.

Outstanding players

Wolves’ standout performer was Mevin Mutakalilumo (#12), who dominated both ends of the floor.

He recorded a massive double-double of 24 points (game-high) and 24 rebounds in 35:37, shooting 9/17 from the field, including 4/9 from three-point range, and finishing with a team-best +27.

John “The Baptist” Tjirimuje (#16) added 22 points, shooting 7/15 from the field and 7/10 from the free-throw line, while also contributing seven assists.

Team captain Reggie Kauami (#3) provided an all-round performance with 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in nearly 37 minutes.

Speaking to Sport Wrap after the game, Kauami praised his team’s effort.

“We were a small team today [with many of our players unavailable], so everyone was expecting us to lose. Fortunately, my boys came through and we got a good win,” he said.

For Penguins, Elizeu Salilia (#3) led the scoring with 18 points and nine rebounds. However, he had to work hard for his points, shooting 7/18 from the field, and lacked sufficient support.

Christiano Haihambo (#11) impressed off the bench with 14 points in just 18:07, shooting an efficient 5/7 from the field.

Other encounters

Other premier league clashes saw defending champions Quality Basketball Club (QBC) edge Afro Stars 79-73.

Last season’s third-placed Unam Rebels defeated newly promoted Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) Gladiators 88-76.

Rebels combo guard Sefelinho Simfukwe welcomed the result, saying Nust brought strong intensity.

“As a team, we’re still a little rusty [seeing that] it’s just the first game of the year. We’re trying to get united, get in shape and go for that ultimate goal, which is the championship,” he said.

In the women’s premier league, four-time defending champions Unam Phoenix beat Nust Dodgers 73-55, while Ongos Shooting Stars defeated Unam Ignites 75-25.

In the first division, favourites Team Allies beat Plaza Warriors 77-48, Unam Wolves II defeated Unam Knights 88-69, Unam Pacers recorded a 62-56 win over Nust Reapers, and Unam Cadets beat QBC II 75-50.

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