Basketball: Kano Pillars, Kwara Falcons qualify for DStv Premier League Final Eight

Regular season leaders, Kano Pillars and Kwara Falcons cruised past all opponents, as both teams topped the Savannah and Atlantic Conferences in the just concluded zonal playoffs.

Pillars, who lost two regular season games, took down all opposition in the Savannah Conference Playoffs going five of five to seal their place in the DStv Premier Basketball League Final Eight. Joining them in the Final Eight is Plateau Peaks, tutored by Female coach, Jacqueline Bushman; premier league returnees, Niger Potters, who took games against favourites, Gombe Bulls, finishing ahead of them and defending champions, Mark Mentors, ending their quest for qualification to the Final Eight.

It was also dramatic in the Atlantic Conference as Kwara Falcons took top spot in the five-team playoffs after scoring a record 105 to 68 points win over Delta Force and a comfortable win over fast rising Customs and Oluyole Warriors to finish top in the conference.

Former two-time champions, Rivers Hoopers, went straight from Division 1 to the Final Eight as they finished runners up behind Falcons, ahead of Customs and Oluyole Warriors, who finished fifth in the regular season behind Delta Force with just two wins.

Speaking on the line-up of the Final Eight, General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, said the competition has reached its fever pitch with fans anticipating an exciting game. He also reiterated DStv’s commitment to the growth of the game in the country through sponsorship and quality coverage of the games.

The stage is now set as the top four teams from both conferences are ready to battle it out for the national title from the June 20 to 25.

The channel of champions, SuperSport, will beam the matches live to subscribers.