The Unam Rebels have secured their place in the upcoming play-offs after a convincing 96-79 victory over BAS Vikings in the Khomas Basketball Association (KBA) Premier League at the UNAM Gym Hall on Friday.
The victory places the Rebels third in the standings with 22 points from 14 games played this season, trailing only leaders Afro Stars, who sit comfortably with 27 points, and UNAM Wolves, who occupy second position with 25 points.
With this result, Rebels have now won eight matches and lost six this season. The top four teams in each division will proceed to the play-offs, which are scheduled to begin after the two remaining matches of the regular season are completed.
Speaking to New Era Sport on Friday, Rebels player and current KBA executive member, Michael Mukumbata, described the win as a hard-fought battle against a tough opponent.
“It was quite a tight, contested match; it was quite a tough match. Our opponents showed strength, and we were kept at bay for a very long time in three quarters,” Mukumbata said. “However, we had plans ahead of the match, and we told our players to stick to the script. We managed to place ourselves in the right position ahead of the much-anticipated play-offs.”
Titus Mwahafa, the secretary general of the Namibia Basketball Federation (NBF), noted that competition is intensifying as the league reaches its climax.
“Competition is too high; every team is fighting to make the top four and be in the play-offs,” he said. “Last weekend and this weekend can be explained by how the competition has changed since the new season.”
In other Premier League fixtures on Saturday, log leaders Afro Stars claimed a narrow 74-71 victory over UNAM Wolves.
In the women’s premier division, Unam Phoenix leads the standings with 24 points, followed by Ongos Shooting Stars with 22 points. Atlantic Storm and BAS Falcons occupy third and fourth place, respectively.
In the first division, Unam Penguins remain on top, followed by NUST Gladiators. Unam Cadet and Unam Raiders are in third and fourth place.
Meanwhile, dominating proceedings in the second division, Team Allies are on top with 19 points, while Osona Braves are in second place. Leopard BC and Unam Vipers hold third and fourth place.
mkambukwe@nepc.com.na