ASPAC Basketball Club of Benin Republic defeated Rivers Hoopers of Port Harcourt 80-77 on Saturday – yesterday, February 1.
With this hard-fought victory, they emerged as champions of the Louis Edem Invitational Basketball Championship in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the closely contested match saw Rivers Hoopers squander an 18-point lead in the dying minutes of the game.
Going into the final, Rivers Hoopers were clear favourites, having dominated all their previous opponents with ease.
They also enjoyed strong home support, as many fans rooted for their victory, given their status as Nigeria’s Premier Basketball League defending champions.
Hoopers controlled the first three quarters of the game, leading 19-14, 24-16, and 15-11. However, they collapsed in the final quarter, failing to secure the win.
ASPAC, led by star player, Dembele Jacob, relied on their three-point shooting to turn the tide.
Gaining confidence and momentum, they fought back to force a tie at 70-70 by full-time.
In the tie-break, ASPAC continued to dominate, scoring 10 points against Hoopers’ seven to seal the victory.
ASPAC’s head coach, Landry Adogon, told NAN that his team stepped up their game after regaining confidence toward the end of the third quarter.
“I told my players not to give up and to keep believing in themselves—that it’s not over until it’s over. I’m glad they were able to achieve the result,” Adogon said.
For their efforts, ASPAC won the championship trophy and a cheque for N1.5 million as winners of the men’s category.
In the women’s category, Calabar Angels defeated Dolphins of Nigeria 56-46 to claim the title.
They also received the championship trophy and N1 million in prize money.
Dembele Jacob of ASPAC Basketball Club won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the men’s category.
Vivian Iwuji of Calabar Angels was named MVP in the women’s category.
NAN reports that no fewer than 10 men’s teams and eight women’s teams competed in this year’s championship.
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