DAR ES SALAAM (Tanzania) - Saturday will see Urunani (Burundi) and City Oilers (Uganda) do battle for the top spot in Group C of the Road to BAL qualifiers at the Benjamin Mkapa Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (4.30 pm E.A.T).

The two clubs (Urunani and the Oilers) made strong statements against their opposition on Friday night, and on Saturday afternoon the winner of this game will most likely finish at the top of Group C.

Urunani, who beat hosts Army Basketball Club (ABC) 70-45 in the opening game of Friday night, have depth in their ranks which will come in handy against the Oilers. They have a dependable front-court with captain Landry Ndikumana, who can provide scoring and rebounds for the Burundi champions.

Ndikumana, who finished with 18 points against ABC, has a good scoring repertoire. The forward score from inside and outside. Urunani also has a strong rim protector in Cote d'Ivoire center Adjehi Baru, who can also put points on the board.

The big man's presence will be necessary as he could match up against South Sudanese centre Maker Mer, who could come off the bench for the Oilers.

Baru's message to his teammates was a simple one ahead of Saturday's opening game against the Oilers. Stay locked in.

"I don't expect anything from them (Oilers). We are focused on ourselves. We have to play together and stay locked in and get the win," said Baru after their win on Friday night.

A concern will be the status of Alvaro Masa, who left the game with an injury, and it is yet to be confirmed if he will play this afternoon.

Despite beating Matero (90-51), the Oilers seem to have a thin bench, which could be a challenge against a balanced Urunani.

The Oilers' victory over the Zambians will go some way in building the Ugandan's confidence. They have capable scores in American player Germaine Roebuck Jr, who came to life with a strong performance against Matero and finished with 26 points. The shooting guard's 20-point in the third quarter performance was one for the ages in these qualifiers.

Roebuck Jr was followed in scoring by Sudan centre Maker Mer with 14 points and veteran player Tonny Drileba, who scored 13 points.

Despite his amazing performance, Roebuck feels the Oilers need to hit the ground running against Urunani on Saturday. The shooting guard was not pleased with how they started the first quarter, which finished 19-19.

"Our first group has got to do better when we start the game. We have to be more aggressive. That means rebounding and doing everything to get the fifty-fifty balls and play as a team," said Roebuck.

The American went on to speak about his performance. "I feel good, but I have to do better, especially in the early stages. I cannot just perform in the third quarter. I have to get going from the jump ball."

In the day's final game, the host's Army Basketball Club will try to redeem themselves against Matero Magic.

The military team and the Magic are most likely to compete for third and fourth place as they are not well-equipped to pose a challenge to Urunani and the Oilers.

FIBA