Gombe Bulls through to FIBA Africa Champions Cup 2017

LAGOS (FIBA Africa Champions Cup 2017) – Nigerian side Gombe Bulls on Sunday beat ASPAC of Benin 75-71 in overtime at FIBA Africa Champions Cup (ACC) 2017 Zone 3 Qualifiers in Lagos, Nigeria.

And as a result, the Bulls secured their place in the 12-team continental showpiece which will take place from December 11-20 in the Tunisian city of Rades.

ASPAC took a 32-23 lead at half-time but could not hold on to the edge as the Gombe-based side took over proceeding from the third quarter thus tying the game at 62 points at the end of the fourth quarter.

In the added five minutes, Gombe outscored ASPAC 13-9.

Bulls back-court duo of Kator Gar and Abdulwahab Yakubu combined for 33 points while ASPAC’s Romaric Quenum came up with a game-high 18 points in their losing effort.

Gombe Bulls head-coach Abdul Rahman Mohammed could not hide his joy as Gombe will make their debut at the continental stage.

"I am happy for the players because they have a good opportunity to shine at the continental stage and square off against the best teams in Africa," Mohamed told FIBA.basketball.

In the other game, Kano Pillars humbled Customs Braves of Ghana 66-46 to conclude the ACC regional qualifies undefeated.

Nigerian international duo of Aboubakar Usman and Abdul Yahaya combined for 37 Pillars points.

FIBA