First Bank BC continued their beautiful run with
another comfortable 54-43 win over GSP of
Algeria at the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for
Women in Luanda, Angola.
The drama-filled matched started on a sour note
for the Elephant Girls, who looked jaded in the
first quarter, which the Algerian won comfortably
22-7. The break gave the Nigerian girls some
respite, coming out better in the second quarter
with a strong defensive display, which
confounded the Algerians, who were now on the
receiving end of a rejuvenated performance by
the Nigeria side.
It was no surprise when the Nigerian took the
second quarter 11-6 to reduce the deficit, but
the Algerian side still went into the break with a
28-18 point lead. However, at the resumption of
the third quarter, the diligence of the Elephant
Girls paid off as they took the quarter 14-6 but
still trailed the Algerians 34-32.
At this point, it was clear that the momentum
had shifted to the Nigerian side who took full
advantage to win the fourth quarter 22-9 for a
cumulative score of 54-43.
This was the sort of performance Coach Peter
Ahmedu had demanded from his girls and they
responded with finesse in yesterday’s game,
extinguishing any hope of a revenge, which the
Algerians might have had before the game. GSP
also lost to First Bank last year in Maputo,
Mozambique.
Ahmedu said he had to change to an ultra-
defensive tactics to wear down the Algerian, who
looked to be coasting home to victory in the
tense encounter. He stated that the players took
to instruction after falling behind in the first
quarter and commended them for putting up a
good fight.
First Bank BC plays host Inter Club of Angola
today to decide which team tops group A.
