TANZANIAN envoys in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), Kurasini Heat began their campaign on high tone after downsizing Malawian giants, Bravehearts in their opener.

Staged at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium’s Indoor court in Dar es Salaam on Friday, Kurasini Heat humiliated Bravehearts 54-27 in their Group E battle.

The winners started strongly to take a 13-7 lead in the first quarter and went on to register 23-15 lead at the breather.

In the last three minutes of the third quarter, Bravehearts managed to score a point, while at same period their opponents scored 11 points that help Kurasini Heat maintain their lead to 37-19 and grabbed 54-27 victory at the end.

Erick Lugalo scored 16 points that helped Kurasini Heat command the game. He managed three-point throws four times.

Enrico Augstino scored 12 points; Alinani Msongole added 10 points while Fadhil Chuma led in catching rebounds by doing it 14 times.

In Group D’s opening game at same day, New Stars of Burundi beat South Sudan’s Cobra Sport 67- 46.

Kurasini Heat’s star Lugola said after his team stamped a flying start that they are committed to intensify their victory today when they play City Oilers of Uganda.

However, Lugola did not hesitate to congratulate their coaches Evarist Mapunda and Mohamed Yusuph for the great work they did connect them for a short period of preparation.

“We have played with great cooperation and while we know Tanzanians want to see us emerge victorious,” said Lugola.