Gombe Bulls recorded 76-66 points victory over Civil Defenders on their continental debut at the 2017 FIBA Africa Champions Cup Zone 3 qualifiers on Monday.
Kator Gar scored a game high 20 points, 8 rebounds, Simon Owoicho had 14 points while Abdulwahab Yakubu added 11 points 3 rebounds.
Both sides who are making their debut at the continent qualifiers traded baskets at different intervals but it was Bulls who looked more threatening on the offensive end.
For Defenders, Gideon Omokudo had 19 points, Austin Eseoghene added 16 points while Samson Bolarin made a double-double, 12 points and 14 rebounds in the game.
Bulls led as much as 16 points with 1:42 minutes remaining in the second quarter. Defenders however reduced the deficit from 16 points (19-35) to half (27-35). Eseoghene’s buzzer shot reduced the deficit to 8 points going to the break.
Defenders made 18/35 from the free throw line and 6 of 23 from the arc but had a better advantage from fast breaks scoring 21 points. However, Bulls would take pleasure having an effective bench who were able to add 24 points in the game.
With 5:34 remaining, Defenders reduced the deficit to 3 points (55-58) hoping to overtake their Savannah Conference opponents. Despite giving Bulls a late fight, they rather increased their tally with a 10 point lead in their first ever FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers.
Action returns on Tuesday when Civil Defenders take on Kano Pillars at 2pm.
