Mavericks off to a flyer

DEFENDING Bulawayo Basketball League women’s champions Southern Mavericks got their 2017/18 title defence off to a flying start after they cruised to a 74-20 victory over National University of Science and Technology (Nust) at Khanyisile Sports Centre at the weekend.

Nust offered little resistance to the drubbing as the champions put up a polished performance. Sibongile Mkandla top scored for Southern Mavericks with 14 basket points.

Southern Mavericks manager Hubert Bhebhe was elated with the comprehensive victory.

“It was a good start for the team. We always aim to win every game that we play. This game was a test of what we have been practicing at training and we are happy to deliver the perfect execution of what we practice. The victory gives us satisfaction of the hard work that we put in practice and the progress that we are making as a unit,” said Bhebhe.

According to Bhebhe the league games will help keep his team in shape as they prepare to represent Zimbabwe at the Federation of International Basketball Association (Fiba) club championships slated for Botswana later this month. In other women encounters played at the weekend Divas beat Lupane State University (LSU) 49-29 while Lakers Seniors edged Lakers Juniors 79-49.

In the mens’ category defending champions Giants ran past City Knights with a 63-23 victory. It was the Knights’ second defeat of the season after they lost 65-52 to Highlanders in the opening round. LSU continued with their fine start to the season with a 56-44 win over Ostrich.