NAF Rockets shocks Dodan Warriors

Rockets who was relegated from the premier league in the 2001/2002 season took every body by surprise having recalled some of their former players such as Wale Mohammed who once ply his trade in the colour of the Warriors and Comets basketball clubs and Abba Usman rose to the challenges of the Beimnote Suobo captained Obalende based Warriors to record their first win.

Returning Wale Mohammed stole the show as he led the Rockets onslaught with 21 points while Abba Usman added 20, Suobo, however, proved that he still has something to offer the game when he led all the players on the floor with 22 points but could not salvage his team from going down to the more determined Rockets who had the support of their vociferous fans who were yelling non-stop.

In the first game played at the NAF Base gymnasium, Ikeja reigning Nigeria champion, Comets basketball club defeated hapless Eko Fliers 78-50 points with half-time score standing at 45-27 points.

Comets parading such experience players as Ogo Odaudu, Baba Jibril, Priwitt Gagara, Akin Akintunde, Mike Udo among others over whelmed their less experience opponent from the sound of the referees whistle making the game to appear one-sided (20-17); 25-10); (22-16) and (11-07).

Fliers coach, Yinka Oyewumi told www.eurobasket.com after the encounter that he is happy about the outcome of the game saying his wards were not humiliated after all.

“Yes we lost to Comets but we were not disgraced because we played against the Nigeria champion, I really commend my players for putting up such a spirited fight against Comets who are truly champion but I want to assure our numerous fans that the race has just started,” the coach said.

The encounter between Union Bank and Customs lived up to its billing of star-game of the day as both side kept fans at the edge of their sit through out the game.

Though the Stallion boys eventually won the match by 88-82 points, but not with a fierce fight from the Customs team who threw everything into the last quarter to the amazement of their star-studded opponent.

Confident that they have wrapped up the game in the third quarter leading by 60-42 points at the end of that quarter only to be shocked by the fire that ignited the coach Scott Nnaji tutored border boys who charged at the bankers as if possessed in the fourth and final quarter scoring a massive 40 points to Union Bank’s 28.

Satisfied with the performance of his wards, coach Nnaji said his team has been able to establish one fact that they have what it takes to be a real contender in Nigeria basketball at the highest possible level.

The Rowe Park Sports Centre hosted three other game with Warriors Basketball Academy defeated Melphis by 54-49 points; Egbeda Raiders handed down a 36-33 points defeat to Sea Rovers while premier league and former Nigeria champion, Islander basketball club was 51-41 points better than Estate Whales.