Unam Rebels crowned KBA champions

Unam Rebels took the Khomas Basketball Association’s (KBA) first-division title after defeating Lions 90-80 in a pulsating final held at the University of Namibia’s Gym Hall on Wednesday evening. Playing in front of a crowd of roughly 200 spectators, the home team got off to a flying start. Rebels’ early dominance was built on excellent defensive work by Gary Kabwebwe and the attacking forays of Allan Nghixulifwa. The pair was complemented by the shooting of Macbeth Kazeurua, whose slow style masked a deadly accurate hand. During the first quarter, Rebels simply out-hustled their opponents and it was no surprise that they took the opening period by 31-20. But Lions came back strongly in the second quarter with the likes of Meo Mpoyi and Tuna Amutenya showing that they are equally capable of playing the game. In fact, the first successful dunk of the night belonged to Lions’ Paulo Cassanga, whose jump to the rim delighted the crowd. While the visiting team managed to narrow the score, they still found themselves 52-45 down at the end of the first half. The third quarter saw Rebels completely dominating proceedings to lead the game by 68-51 at one stage. But Lions were determined not to let the final become ‘The Unam Rebels Show’. The team worked overtime to reduce the deficit and this they did superbly as they were trailing by just four points at the end of the third quarter with the score at 72-68. With the crowd now behind them, Lions continued their fight back in the final quarter as they levelled the score at 78-78 with just four minutes left of the game. A short while later they took the lead but it was then that Rebels’ Mpumelelo Hlabangana took charge of the game. The veteran player seemed to be everywhere as he blocked shots and consistently stole the ball from their opponents while at the same time contributing to the score board. Such was Hlabangana’s impact that Lions kept fouling him. In return, he kept nailing the free throws as the visiting team seemed to run out of steam. Momentum was now firmly with Rebels and they eventually came out 90-80 victors. Spectacular prize-giving In an effort to give more publicity to the sport, the KBA is planning to host a prize-giving ceremony with a difference at the same venue on Saturday. The event will start at 13:00 with a match featuring some of Namibia’s celebrities as well as some retired players. Rap artist Jericho, Kwaito stars Mushe, Qonja and Fishman as well as gospel artist D-Naff and the trio from PDK have confirmed their participation in the game. The highlight, though, will be an All Star match featuring the best 12 Namibian players against the 12 best foreigners who compete in the league. After that the Most Valuable Player of the year as well as the winners of the respective leagues will be crowned. Rebels won the first division with Lions second and Titans in third. The women’s first division was won by Lions while Unam Sparks took second place and Eagles came third. The men’s second division was won by Mwangole while Barleys were runners-up with Arena Cobras in third. There is no second division for women. WINDHOEK-HECTOR MAWONGA