DAR ES SALAAM (Tanzania) - Landry Ndikumana recorded an impressive double double dropping 18 points and 11 rebounds to guide the City Oilers to a well deserved 71-57 victory over Burundi's Dynamo in Group D at the ongoing Qualifying Tournament for the Basketball Africa League 2020. 

The Burundian center powered his way in the paint on both ends of the court against familiar opponents as the Oilers started this campaign on a high note. 

Dynamo led the first quarter 14-13 causing panic waves on the Oilers bench but the latter used experience in the second quarter to bounce back and lead by seven points at the half time break. 

An emphatic third quarter with Ndikumana fully in charge on the boards saw the Oilers establish an 11-point lead at the end of the third quarter and their experience over the years allowed them the luxury of rotating the entire squad.

Even when they lost their Nigerian import Chijioke Azolibe who had amassed nine points and seven rebounds to injury, they soldiered on to register a much-needed win. 

Robinson Odoch Opong registered 13 points and five rebounds while Jordin Mayes added eights points to remind everyone why the City Oilers are a top side in the East African region. Bienvenu Ndikurio scored 19 points as Regis Musoda added 15 points for Dynamo but their efforts were not enough to secure victory. 

Meanwhile, hosts JKT saw off a stubborn Hawassa from Ethiopia 87-47 in an emphatic victory much to head coach Christian Mwakingili's joy after the game. 

A motivated start thanks to the spirited support from the home fans saw the army side spring a 20-10 lead at the end of the first quarter and indeed a 51-40 lead reflected their intentions in the game.

Baraka Athumani had a field day sinking 21 points while Enerico Majura and Jonas Mushi scored 13 and 12 points respectively to further affirm the importance of home advantage. The fans enjoyed every minute of the game seeing as the one-sided game gave them that. 

The Ethiopians were forced to play an outside game attempting 26 times behind the arc but they only managed to convert just six and indeed it was JKT's 52 rebounds as compared to Hawassa's 37 that made the difference ultimately. 

Opening victories for City Oilers and JKT put them in pole position to qualify to the next round at the moment should they win all their remaining games, however, not all is lost for the losers who have more chances to redeem themselves. 

FIBA