Ibe Agu scored a game high 23 points to lead Civil Defenders Basketball Club past BC Terreur 67-59 in the Group B opener of the FIBA Africa Basketball League in Cotonou on Friday.
Agu played a pivotal role for the Nigerian side at both ends of the floor terrorising the Congolese defence all through the game. The former Gombe Bulls forward had 10 defensive boards with 5 offensive board to go with it. In total, Agu made a double-double and 9/15 from the free throw line.
Agu contributed 63.67% of his field goals in 29 minutes for Defenders while Ocheibi Okpe added 13 points and nine rebounds.
Defenders had to shake off a double digit half time deficit 25-36 to tie the game at 47-47 at the end of the third quarter after they outscored the Congolese side 22-11.
The Nigerian representatives ensured they maintained the lead in the last few seconds despite late threat from Terreur.
Agu got to the line with 16 seconds remaining to shoot 2/2 of his free throws awarded which was more than enough to lead Defenders to their first win of the competition.
Defenders were however poor from the arc and scored none of their 3-pointers in the game 0/14 and were also wasteful from the line 27/51.
Freddy Kalama Luyeye had 17 points, 10 rebound double-double and four assists while Jonathan Tshimibau added 11 points for BC Terreur.
BC Terreur had just 2/19 three pointers, 5/13 from the line while committing 21 turn overs against 17 committed by Defenders.
In the other Group B game, Etoile Sportive Rades of Tunisia defeated host Elan Sportif 71-55.
Defenders Basketball will next play 2017 finalists, Etoile Sportive Rades of Tunisia on Saturday while BC Terreur will take on host Elan Sportif.
