Mandeville, Johannesburg – An action-packed weekend in the Basketball National League (BNL) saw high-intensity showdowns and standout performances across both the men’s and women’s divisions. Here’s how the matchups unfolded:
SATURDAY, 21 JUNE 2025
Women: Free State Warriors 61 – 45 North-West Eagles
The Free State Warriors Women put on a clinical display, dominating early with a 28–15 first-half lead and maintaining control throughout. Led by the relentless Asiphe Matiso, who racked up 15 points and 19 rebounds, the Warriors outscored the Eagles in three of four quarters. The Eagles’ late surge in the fourth (20 points) proved too little too late. Mimi Nhlapo and Fatimah Chiliza provided hustle but couldn’t shift momentum.
- News Cafe MVP – Asiphe Matiso
- Key Stats: Warriors 46 points in the paint | 20 points from turnovers | 32 bench points
Men: Egoli Magic 80 – 59 North-West Eagles
Egoli Magic extended their undefeated run with a commanding 80–59 win over the Eagles. Despite an early 11–9 lead from the Eagles, Magic took charge with suffocating defense and transition scoring. Newcomer Yanick Kasilembo starred with a double-double performance and high efficiency, while Magic capitalized on 33 points from turnovers and 48 points in the paint.
- News Cafe MVP: Yanick Kasilembo
- Double-Double, with efficient scoring, rebounding, and strong interior presence
SUNDAY, 22 JUNE 2025
Women: Free State Warriors 70 – 47 Mpumalanga Rhinos
The Warriors Women capped off their weekend with another dominant victory, overwhelming the Rhinos 70–47. Mimi Nhlapo was unstoppable, dropping 30 points, pulling in 9 rebounds, and adding 4 steals and 4 assists to her stat sheet. The Warriors exploded out of the gates with a 17–4 first quarter and never looked back.
- News Cafe MVP: Mimi Nhlapo
- Warriors scored 37 points off turnovers and had a +29 lead at their peak
Men: North-West Eagles 71 – 65 Free State Warriors (OT)
In arguably the most thrilling match of the weekend, the Eagles bounced back in style, edging out the Warriors in overtime. With the score tied 63–63 at the end of regulation, the Eagles dug deep in the extra five minutes. Jeremie Luvaika dominated the glass with 18 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 blocks, and a game-high efficiency rating of +27 in nearly 42 minutes of play.
- News Cafe MVP: Jeremie Luvaika
- Eagles had 17 second-chance points and a game-changing 12-point scoring run
Don’t Miss Next Week!
The playoff race is heating up. Stay locked in for more drama, highlight plays, and clutch performances in Week 5 of BNL 2025 28-29 June 2025 at Mandeville Indoor Centre. Get your tickets via Webtickets or at the door!