Nkechi Akachili’s game high 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists combined with Chidinma Nwakamma’s14 points and reigning Zenith Bank Women’s league MVP, chioma Udeaja’s 13 points helped defending champions First Bank to their first consecutive finals appearance since 2011. The reigning champions defeated former 4 time champions First Deepwater 68-43 in the semi finals at the ongoing Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League at the National Stadium in Lagos.
The reigning champions started rather slowly as First Deepwater raced to a 10-8 lead in the opening 5 minute. But a 10-0 run in the closing minutes of the 1st quarter from the elephant girls ensured they took an 8 point lead into the 2nd quarter 18-10. The fine run continued in the 2nd quarter with First Bank went on a 18- 9 run to lead 36-19 at half time.
However, First Deepwater came out of the locker room a different side outscoring First Bank 17-11 closing the game to 9 points in the 3rd quarter 36-47, only to run out of gas in the final quarter as the reigning champions raced to a 25 points win (68-43) in the end out scoring First Deep water 21-7 in the final 10 minutes of the game.
Head coach of First Bank Basketball club, Adewunmi Aderemi said he is confident his team will defend their title successfully on Saturday.
” All we are looking at is defending our title and representing Nigeria very well at the continental championship”.
“No one can stop us “. He added
First Bank will take on the Dolphins in the Finals for the 2nd straight year after the flamboyant FIBA Africa Zone 3 champions secured their 3rd straight finals appearance at the expense of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Queens 84-49.
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