Kano Pillars have emerged Champions of the 2017 FIBA Africa Club Championship Zone 3 qualifiers in Lagos. On the final day, Pillars blew out Custom Braves of Ghana 66-46 points to defend the title they won last year in Togo.
Abubakar Usman scored 22 points while Abdul Yahaya added 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Kano Pillars went unbeaten, winning all their 5 games played against Gombe Bulls, Aspac of Benin Republic, Civil Defence of Abuja, Mark Mentors of Abuja and Customs of Ghana. Gombe Bulls lost to their Savannah Conference rival, Pillars to take the second slot to their first ever continental championship.
Gombe Bulls had to wait till overtime against ASPAC of Benin Republic on their final day of the competition before picking their ticket to the finals. Kator Gar powered his team to another historic win with 17points, 4 rebounds, Abdulwahab Yahaya added 16 points and 5 rebounds while Chibuzor Njoku had 12 rebounds and 7 points to win 75-71 points.
Former Nigeria Customs star Romaric Quenum led other four ASPAC players with 18 points 5 rebounds but it was not enough to see his side pick their only win of the tournament. Meanwhile, Mark Mentors of Abuja emerged third in the competition winning two games against Customs and ASPAC.
Individual awards: Fair Play went to ASPAC, Abdul Yahaya was awarded the Most Valuable Player, also emerged the highest rebounder and scorer of the tournament while his team mate , Abubakar Usman was awarded the best shooter. Usman was named alongside Yahaya, Mark Mentors Ocheibi Okpe, Gombe Bulls Abdulwahab Yakubu and Baniba Dodzi of Customs.
