10 Jun 2013

Francistown based basketball teams were again this weekend at the receiving end as Dolphins of Gaborone rioted over Splinters and Flames at BDF Donga in Francistown on June 8.

A fortnight ago, the two sides suffered again at the hands of visiting BDF V, which humiliated them and this weekend in the first game, the visiting Dolphins defeated Splinters by 74 baskets against their 37.

Although this time around Splinters started sharp on their game and losing the first quarter with a narrow margin of 14-17 and the second one by 11-22, they could not later provide answers to the marauding Dolphins.

Things took a dramatic change when the Splinters lost one of their key player’s Phofuetsile Leave due to injury and without any substitute on their bench, the team had to continue without him in the third quarter where they found themselves losing  the quarter by 3-27.

His return on the last quarter was already too late even though they won it 9-8.

In an interview after the game, Leave said they did not play well, noting that they had many turn overs, which worked to the advantage of their opponent.

He also said the other problem was that they usually train as players without their coach who resides in Selibe Phikwe and only makes it on the day of the games.

Leave however said he is confident that things will change for the better in the second round because arrangements are being made for their coach to be with them when preparing for the games.

In another game, Flames lost to the Dolphins 30-54 in a game which turned out to be physical and rough with both sides using emotions upon losing the ball.

Just like the Splinters, team captain Mmoloki Segaetsho said they wasted so many chances and it turned out to be an advantage to their opponent, who never looked back and scored many baskets.

 “It is unfortunate for us as one of the good teams to lose back to back games, but we rectify our mistakes to finish on the top four,” he said confidently.  ENDS