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Wolves two-nil up in KBA championship race

• 6 Days Ago 01 October 2025

University of Namibia (Unam) Wolves have had a strong start in the Khomas Basketball Association (KBA) premier league final playoffs against Quality Basketball as they currently lead the best-of-seven series 2-0.

Held at Unam Gym Hall, the two sides’ race for the championship began last Wednesday and proved to be a high-scoring encounter, with Wolves drawing first blood, 102-94.

Their latest meeting last weekend was a battle of frontcourts, which saw Wolves beat Quality Basketball by a narrow three points (86-83).

Wolves’ twin towers, Kevin Kazadi and Mevin Mutakalilumo, controlled the paint with a combined 26 points and 31 rebounds.

They complemented their steady offensive anchor, John “The Baptist” Tjirimuje, the team’s top scorer, who shot 49.2% from the field, knocked down two three-pointers and finished with 17 points.



Quality’s fighting efforts

Meanwhile, Quality Basketball leaned heavily on main scoring engine João Saponde, who scored a game-high 25 points on 57.1% shooting and added nine rebounds.

Saponde’s relentless 40-minute frontcourt effort was supported by Heliome Bakayawa, who attacked the paint to contribute 16 points, getting to the line 13 times and converting 10.

Despite scoring more on fast breaks (29-24) and points from turnovers (25-16), Quality Basketball’s poor outside shooting proved costly, as they made only three of their 26 three-point attempts.

Wolves’ deeper bench (contributing 30 points, compared to Quality’s nine) and inside dominance (69 rebounds to Quality’s 57) ultimately decided the contest.



Coach’s reflections

Reflecting on the win, Wolves coach Allan Nghixulifwa was all smiles, saying he expected the reinvigorated intensity from Quality to make up for losing the first encounter.

“We expected them to be much more prepared for this one. As winners of the first match, we just maintained our winning game strategy, [which proved sufficient for the win],” he said.

Nghixulifwa admitted that Quality’s improved game plan made it slightly difficult for his side and acknowledged his “group of talented players” for not wavering.

“We only won by three points, but I will take it any day,” he said.

Headed into their next game three encounter today, Nghixulifwa said he would work on his team’s defence to bring it to the same standard as the offence.

“Despite scoring 86 points, Quality countering these with 83 points concerns me. We should be keeping them around 60 points or below,” he said.

The two teams will meet today at 20:15 at Unam Gym Hall as Quality looks to find its shooting touch and hopefully its first win.



Other divisions’ stances

Last weekend’s matchday also included first division action, where Nust Gladiators edged Unam Penguins 87-84 to level their best-of-seven final playoff series at 1-1, after the Penguins had earlier taken the opener 78-60. Their next encounter is on Friday at the same venue.

In the second division, Team Allies recorded their second win in the best-of-five final playoff series with a comfortable 79-61 result, adding to their 75-59 victory earlier in the final playoff series. Their next encounter is on Saturday.



Women’s premier league action

The women’s premier league final playoffs are led by Unam Phoenix, who hold a 2-0 lead over Ongos Shooting Stars in the best-of-seven series. They have won the first two meetings 88-58 and 68-49.

The two sides will today open the Unam Gym Hall action at 18:15, as Ongos looks for their first win.

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