.. as Customs withdraw
Nile University, on Monday night, at the Mo Arena Abuja, recorded their first win at the ongoing Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) Savannah Conference against Aso Sky Hawks, getting 88 points against their opponent’s 82.
The two teams literally set the court on fire with their pace and strength, but the University boys bounced back after a heartbreaking 82-83 loss to Gboko City Chiefs on the opening day.
Combining athleticism and youthful energy with good ball display, the Coach Stanley Gumut-tutored team dominated proceedings, winning the first quarter by 15-11 and the second quarter by 25-17.
It was 21-21 at the third quarter, as the fourth quarter ended 27-33, which culminated in 88-82 points and a win for Nile University.
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Speaking on his team’s performance, Coach Gumut of Nile University, said there’s still room for improvement, adding that a lot of adjustments will be made as the competition progresses. He described the championship as a marathon, saying his team will be approaching each game as it comes.
He said, “I think we’ve a lot to improve on. A lot of adjustments that we need to make as a team. The first win doesn’t mean that we’ve won the championship. It is a marathon, not a sprint, so we are taking our time. We are converting their youthful energy into useful resources rather than keeping them on the streets, not doing anything.”
Meanwhile, Gboko City Chiefs recorded its second victory of the competition after a masterclass display against Niger Potters, winning by 87-73 points. The first quarter was 27-21, the second 19-19, the third 18-14 and the fourth quarter 23-19.
Niger Potters’ coach, Aminu Dada, while speaking with Sporting Tribune, said that despite their second straight loss, his team will never give up and will continue to improve by working on their lapses as they go into their next game.
“Compared to our first game (against Aso Sky Hawks), there’s a lot of improvement. But you know in sports when you make mistakes, your opponent uses that to beat you, and that’s what happened. We made some mistakes, and they (Gboko City Chiefs) used them.
“We have hope that we are going to win. Next game, God willing, we have hope that we’re going to win,” Coach Dada said.
Four teams are now left to compete at the Abuja centre following the withdrawal of the Nigeria Customs from the championship.
The competition continues on Tuesday with Aso Sky Hawks squaring up against Gboko City Chiefs, while Nile University will share the court with Niger Potters on the third day of the competition.
