Embarrassment in the East: Urunani Destroys Matero Magic 84-34 – Are The Magic Even BAL-Worthy?

Embarrassment in the East: Urunani Destroys Matero Magic 84-34 – Are The Magic Even BAL-Worthy?

In what can only be described as a total humiliation, Matero Magic was dismantled 84-34 by Urunani BC in the Road to BAL Division East campaign. The result not only shames the Zambian side but also raises serious questions about their place in what is supposed to be qualifiers for Africa's premier club basketball league competition (The Basketball Africa League).

From the opening tip, it was evident this wouldn't be a contest. Urunani BC's Jean Jacques Boissy dominated early, pouring in a game-high 24 points. Meanwhile, Matero Magic couldn't buy a basket, scoring a pitiful 11 points in the first half. Urunani had surged to a commanding 36-11 lead by halftime, thanks to their relentless defensive pressure and transition offence, which turned Matero's 20+ turnovers into 24 points.

Shockingly, Urunani BC themselves shot just 16.13% from beyond the arc—an abysmal stat that would spell doom for most teams. But Matero Magic somehow managed to be worse, posting a disgraceful 11.1% from three-point range. This wasn’t about elite perimeter defence but Matero Magic’s inability to shoot.

Matero Magic’s effort—or lack thereof—had fully unravelled by the second half. Their offensive possessions were a masterclass in futility, as Urunani dominated the glass with over 45 rebounds and repeatedly punished their mistakes with 20+ fast-break points. The Burundian side cruised to an 84-34 finish, leaving no doubt about their superiority.

Matero Magic’s performance wasn’t just wrong—it was catastrophic. At this level, no team should be losing by 50 points. Is Matero Magic simply out of their depth? Their inability to handle pressure, score, or even compete raises questions about the selection criteria for this tournament.

Urunani BC, for all their dominance, has room for offensive improvement, as their woeful shooting from deep suggests. But this game wasn’t about Urunani’s flaws but Matero Magic’s inadequacy. For a tournament that’s supposed to showcase Africa’s basketball elite, games like this do little more than tarnish its reputation.

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[Photography FIBA Africa]