Cameroon champions BEAC chasing slot at 2017 FIBA Africa Champions Cup

DOUALA (FIBA Africa Champions Cup) - By beating Nzui-Manto 60-58 in the Final, BEAC Basket clinched the 2017 Cameroon National Championship title.

As well as BEAC Basket three other teams, (Nzui-Manto, Condor and University of Douala) chased Cameroon's most important basketball trophy of the season.

However, following a spotless 2017 regular-season, BEAC Basket remained as dominant, closing the Final-Four undefeated in three games.  

The win not only ended Nzui-Manto's reigning but it also increased BEAC Basket's chances of returning to this year's 12-club FIBA Africa Champions Cup (ACC) in December.

And the hero of the series, as well as the game-changer, was a familiar face to African basketball fans.

With just ten seconds remaining and the decisive game tied at 58-58, BEAC's Pierre-Cedric Essome wasn't prepared to play another five minutes, hitting the championship shot.

"We wanted to win this title because we were left devasted last season," said BEAC Basket's play caller Charles Essimbi.

"So we decided to win every domestic competition we were involved in this year," Essimbi added.

Although FIBA Africa Zone 4 qualifiers for this year's FIBA ACC is yet to be scheduled, Cameroon new champions couldn't be in a stronger position to return to Africa's elite basketball championship.

Last December, BEAC Basket lost five of their seven ACC games, however, beating Primeiro D'Agosto - Africa's most successful basketball club with eight ACC titles - 72-55 on the final day had its impact. 

And Essimbi has already a plan for BEAC should they qualify for the ACC.
 
"We have improved our transition game. In addition, we decided to instil a quick reaction mentality."

 FIBA