By SAMUEL LUKHANDA –
MATERO Magic are just a game away from retaining their title after winning the first game against Green Buffaloes in the final of the Zambia Basketball Association (ZBA) 2015 Sprite national championship.
Magic, who overcame rivals UNZA Pacers in the best of three matches in the semi-finals, stumped their authority over Buffaloes to pick up a 60-58 win and lead the series.
It was a weekend that saw Magic championship pedigree put to its ultimate test and suffice to say they passed.
Magic on Saturday had to fend off the surging Pacers in game three of the semis to advance to the finals to met Buffaloes after winning 59-53 in a low scoring affair that had both teams struggling on the line as the free throws refused to drop late in the fourth quarter.
The low score is also a testimony to the defensive mentality that both teams brought to game three as the saying goes in basketball ‘defence wins championships’.
Buffaloes, who swept Lunga Bullets in two games in their semi-finals, were watching with a keen eye as they waited to know their opponent in the finals, and there were a few signs of the semis skirmishes hangover when finals tipped off.
The army side, playing in the finals for the first time, will be thinking they have a punchers chance considering Magic won by just a basket.
In the feminine category, Nishati Shells won game one by a 10 point margin beating the defending champions UNZA Honeys 62-52.
Shells still smarting from last season defeat made a big statement in these series by taking game one and will be sure the Honeys will have a response in game two.
Meanwhile, the B league finals begin this weekend with a all-Southern matchup between Magic B and Nishati Denvers. Magic B blew away Solwezi Panthers by 19 points to advance to the finals while Denvers saw off Don Bosco.