The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
THE Harare Basketball Association (HBA) Super Six League is entering the business end of the season as teams are either eying the championship or fighting relegation.
The teams are also keeping an eye on the National League.
This year, the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) National League Championship, which is set for May 2 to 4, will be held in Gweru.
The top three HBA Super Six teams automatically qualify for the annual competition, which usually attracts all the best clubs from the 10 basketball-playing provinces.
JBC, Arcadia Bucs and Basket Hounds are currently involved in a three-way battle for league honours in the men’s category, while UZ Sparks and Vixens are locked in a two-horse race in the women’s category.
JBC currently top men’s log standings with 30 points from 16 matches, while Arcadia Bucs and Basket Hounds are not too far off, with 28 and 26 points, respectively.
Mbare Bulls (19) and UZ Stars (22) presently occupy fifth and sixth place and are fighting relegation.
Mbare Bulls will have to contend with the promotion/relegation play-offs, while UZ Stars will have to drop down to the A-league should the log standings remain the same upon the completion of the 2023/2024 HBA Super Six season.
In the women’s category, UZ Sparks (32) currently hold a two-point lead over second place and defending champions Vixens, while Fillies (21) and Harare City Hornets (18) occupy the fifth and sixth positions.
The HBA Super Six returns this weekend with a top-of-the-table clash between Arcadia Bucs and JBC headlining the Women’s Day commemorations fixtures at Sunrise Sports Club.
A clash that will have implications on teams that will be relegated in the women’s category sees Fillies play Harare City Hornets, while Bunnies meet UZ Sparks on Saturday.
In the men’s category, UZ Stars play Mbare Bulls, while Basket Hounds square up against Leopards Academy.
Order of Play
Harare City Hornets v Fillies (W)
Bunnies v UZ Sparks (W)
UZ Stars v Mbare Bulls (M)
Basket Hounds v Leopards Academy (M)
Vixens v Blades (W)
Arcadia Bucs v JBC (M)
