By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –

Magic 80 Napsa 66
THE chase for the Zambia Basketball Association (ZBA) southern region league title has hit top gear with the pace-setting quartet of Matero Magic, Unza Pacers, Green Buffaloes and Hawks firmly in contention after the Week 20 fixtures.
At the weekend, there was no room for error for reigning champions Magic, who put up a dominant performance to subdue Napsa Hurricanes 80-66 as they remained on course in their bid to defend the title.
The result was followed by another resounding victory over Heroes Unity Play United, who they beat 87-46 to take charge of the log on 36 points.
However, Magic face stiff competition from title-chasing Pacers, who defeated Green Eagles 76-66 to be at par on points with the leaders.
The battle for third place pitted Buffaloes against Hawks but it was the Zambia Army side that emerged victorious via a narrow 79-76 score to move to 35 points, two better than fourth-placed Hawks, who have played a game more.
LCC Looters further dented Bulldogs’ survival hopes after posting an emphatic 84-66 win which left Bulldogs rock-bottom on 22 points, a point above fellow relegation-threatened Heroes Unity Play United.
Heroes Unity Play had lost 45-65 to Munali Suns earlier.
In the league B, ZCAS Blazers leap-frogged Intrepid Bulls from the top after posting a 91-36 victory over Hornets Ruiners to lead the charge on 34 points.
A 50-55 defeat that Intrepid Bulls suffered at the hands of Matero Magic B saw them relegated into second place but level on points with Blazers.
Nishati Denvers are in third place on 33 points after beating CHINZAM Dragons 96-58, having played two games less.