JAZZ EDGE RAIDERS IN MTN BASKETBALL

MANZINI – Raiders died with their boots tied during their battle against experienced Mbabane Jazz.

This was during the MTN Swaziland National Basketball Elite Men’s League which was played at Mavuso Sports Emporium Centre. The basement side might have lost but they gave a gallant showing when they went down 45-98 to Jazz.

The first quarter was a balanced affair, however, Jazz were 23-14 ahead at the end of this stanza. The following quarter inconsistence started creeping in and the rookies scored 13 baskets, which was not enough as they were still trailing by 27-52 in the second quarter.

In the third stanza the wheels started coming off as Raiders tried to attack in numbers, only to expose their defence which resulted to the Sifiso Nsibandze coach side to stretching their lead to 76-36.The final quarter was an entertaining affair but Raiders could have done better to end this quarter at 45-98.They missed an avalanche of chances and often their transition was inconsistence as they were exposed when they were dispossessed.

Raiders coach Martin Samabwa said they lacked experienced players.
“Jazz is a good team and my team is new to the league. A majority of my players are schoolgoing children so it would have been folly to expect to win this game,” said Samambwa.

Meanwhile, Mbabane Jazz mentor said despite the win, he was not impressed with the way they played.
“We won, that’s good but I am not proud of the way we played, on another day we could have been punished because of the way we defend. However, all is not lost, we will just focus on the league and hopefully we will not lose sight because we feel we have a chance of winning it,” said Nsibandze.

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