First Bank rises, seals quarterfinal place

• Dolphins stay second in Group A

First Bank Basketball Club of Nigeria yesterday rose from the disappointment of losing to home team, Inter Clube, to beat United States International University, (USIU) Kenya 89-63 at the ongoing 21st Africa Champions Cup in Luanda, Angola.

The win sealed First Bank’s qualification for the quarterfinals. They will meet Ferrovairo Maputo today to decide the winner of Group B. A win for First Bank will ensure they avoid compatriots, Dolphins, who are guaranteed second place even if they lose against favourite, Primero Agosto today.

Unlike the case in their last game, First Bank made the most of their chances throughout the game against the Kenyans and won the first quarter 21-12.

The First Bank team was also dominant in the second quarter, winning 39-22. The Nigerians also won the third quarter 64-48 and closed the game 89-63.

Nigeria’s second team in the competition, Dolphins also defeated Berco Stars 105-75 to maintain their second place in Group A. It was a match the Nigerian champions dominated in the later stages after their opponent’s good display in the first two quarters.