LUSAKA (Zambia) - Even before the final buzzer sounded at the end of the game between the Munali Suns and the Soweto Panthers, the three teams that would compete in the East Division Elite 16 had already been decided.
This is how the final day of action in Lusaka unfolded.
High-scoring Beira reached 100 points again, brushing aside the Dolphins
Both teams entered the game with a similar win-loss record (3-1), and a win would earn either team an automatic spot in the Elite 16 competition.
Beira triumphed with a final score of 100-68, so they can start planning their trip to Nairobi, Kenya, where the Elite 16 tournament will be held later this month.
Joshua Thomas led Beira's charge with 28 points, and his fellow American, Ke Tarrious Bouchum, also scored 22 points in what would eventually be a rout of the Dolphins.
Ayad Munguambe scored 18 points for Beira. Peter Marial led the Dolphins with 17 points, followed by his teammate Tlotlo Tshekega with 12.
Despite losing to Beira, FIBA Africa granted the Dolphins a spot in the next round.
Bravehearts close out with a victory
Malawi's Bravehearts concluded their Road to BAL campaign on a high note by defeating the Harare Kings 64-56.
Both teams entered the final day with identical 1-3 records, eliminating their chances of advancing to the Elite 16. With qualification out of reach, they played for pride.
The backcourt duo of Ian Limbe (19 points) and Faad Billy (15 points) led the Bravehearts to victory. Limbe made 50% (3/6) of his three-point shots, and Billy made 5/11.
Munashe Makunde scored 13 points for the Kings, and 42-year-old veteran Neville Chivanganye recorded a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Soweto Panthers return home empty-handed
The Munali Suns concluded their Road to BAL Group E preliminary stage campaign in style at the Nasdec Sports Complex on Tuesday.
The host club defeated the already winless South African side, the Soweto Panthers, 80–60.
Munali had five players score in double figures. Jared Mweeta scored 18 points, while Blessed Wakunguma and Chipo Musongo each scored 13.
Douglas Kandulu dominated with a double-double (11 points and 11 rebounds), and Christopher Carter added another 11 points.
Latrell Jones (15 points) and Kwazi Gumede (11 points) were the Panthers' top scorers.
Munali had already secured their Elite 16 spot after beating Harare Kings the previous night, and this victory further solidified their position.
Within the sixth minute of the first quarter, with the score at 7–7, the Panthers' resistance broke and Munali pulled away, marking their memorable home tournament with a 20-point victory.
FIBA