First Bank retain title in FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women Zone 3
LOME (FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women 2016) – First Bank Basketball Club secured their place in the final round of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women (ACCW) thanks to four wins in as many games in
LOME (FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women 2016) – First Bank Basketball Club secured their place in the final round of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women (ACCW) thanks to four wins in as many games in the ACCW Zone 3 held in Lome, Togo.
The Nigerian champions beat their opponents with averages of eight-point winning margins to defend the regional title.
The Lagos-based confirmed their dominance over the Zone 3 qualifier hosts Etoile Filante of Togo following a 68-39 win in the final game on Saturday at the Stade Eyadema in Lome, Togo.
Despite the loss, Etoile Filante secured the second ticket on offer for Zone 3 clubs for the Maputo showdown, which will take place from 26 November to 4 December.
Nigeria international Chioma Udeaja sparked the Bankers at both ends of the floor, and was, unsurprisingly, named the tournament MVP.
She also made it to the All-tournament five alongside teammates Nkem Akaraiwe and Deborah Nwakamma as well as Christelle Houessou of Etoile Filante and Kouma Aissata Tahirou of STT SC of Niger.
In individual awards category, Ama Adjoussi of Etoile Filante led all players in assists while her teammate Akpene Kodjo led the tournament in blocks.
Tahirou of STT SC was the tournament top scorer and rebounder - 120points and 46 boards in three games.
First Bank's Deborah Nwakanma finished with more three-points than any other player.
In retrospect, First Bank trounced STTC SC 103-58 in a game that Udeaja led her team with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while her national team teammate Nkem Akaraiwe added a double-double 13 points and 13 rebounds. Another Nigerian international Nkechi Akashili came up with 17 points.
The much-improved STC side was led by Kouma Tahirou Aissata who had game-high 26 points, with Zaratou Abou adding 14 as they lost all 4 quarters (12-32)(11-25)(18-20)(17-26), to return home with four defeats in four games.
First Bank had defeated their opponents 104-38 in their first encounter in the three-team double elimination series to cement a place in the Finals.
FIBA