DAR ES SALAAM (Tanzania) - Burundian champions New Star surprised Ulinzi Warriors of Kenya 80-74 on Saturday to register their second victory in Group D at the ongoing Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2022 Division East Qualifiers. 

Former two-time Zone 5 Most Valuable Player Landry Ndikumana was at the heart of New Star's charge on both ends of the court with a double-double scoring a game-high 21 points, picking an impressive 18 rebounds and making five assists to help his side register an important victory. 

Rodrigue Kabura added 16 points while Malick Ngazahayo had an impressive 15 points and seven assists to defeat the Kenyans who came into this tie as the favourites.  

The two wins have ensured that New Star have qualified for the BAL 2022  Elite Round of 16 Qualifiers as they are now assured of a place among the top two teams in the group. 

In the last game of the day, City Oilers of Uganda started their campaign on a high note with a solid 73-43 victory over Brave Hearts of Malawi. 

Mandy Juruni's side led right from the onset setting the pace with a 19-10 lead at the end of the first quarter and did not look back as they established a double digit lead at half time 35-24.

The Oilers limited the Malawians to just seven points in the third and stretched the lead to 54-31 at the end of the period. 

The Southern Africans tried to mount a comeback in the last period but the Oilers were too strong for them as four players registered double digits for the latter. 

Forward James Okello recorded 12 rebounds and eight points as John Balwigaire, Ben Komakech and Jimmy Enabu added 14, 12 and 10 points respectively. 

City Oilers experienced shooting guard Enabu told FIBA.basketball said, "Winning our first game was good for us because it does not only mean that we qualify for the second round but it is also a confidence booster for the team."

"Going into tomorrow's game with the aim of winning and trying to play better than we did in the first game," he added. 

On Sunday, Cobra Sport of South Sudan, who lost their opening game on Friday to New Star 42-67, will be up against Ulinzi Warriors at 1700hrs EAT before hosts Kurasini Heats take on the City Oilers at 2000hrs EAT.  

The Tanzanian winners saw off Brave Hearts 54-27 on Friday thanks to Eric Lugora, Enrico Agustino and Alinan Msongole who netted 16, 12 and 10 points in that order.

Games are streamed live on FIBA's Youtube Channel with additional updates on the tournament's website and FIBA's social media platforms.  

FIBA