Kano Pillars have won the 2017 Kwese Premier Basketball League beating arc rivals Gombe Bulls 74-54 at the Koformata indoor Sports Hall, Sanni Abacha Stadium, Kano.
Veteran Abubakar Usman showed his worth of experience for the defending champions. Usman scored 24 points and 5 rebounds, Eli Abraham had 15 points and 9 rebounds while Joseph Nwafor added 16 points and 7 rebounds.
Bulls were outclassed and couldn’t manage the occasion like they should. Simon Owoicho was the only Bulls player who came to the party. Owoicho scored 11 points and 6 rebounds.
In the third place game, Mustapha Oyebanji scored 22 points and 3 assists while Owen Oriakhi made 14 points and 10 rebounds leading Hoops & Read to 61-52 points win over Kwara Falcons.
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Kwara Falcons had a lot working against them, they were forced to commit 26 turnovers. Falcons made 17 of 73 field goals while 9 of 25 from the free throw line. Seyi Ayileye had11points and 5 rebounds for the Ilorin based team.
Kano Pillars walked home with 20 million naira, Gombe Bulls got 15 million while Hoops & Read went away with 10 million naira for finishing third.
Mustapha Oyebamiji ( Hoops & Read), David Godwin ( Kwara Falcons), Kator Gar (Gombe Bulls) and Kano Pillars duo of Abubakar Usman and Dele Ademola were named top five players at the final 8 tournament.
Individual awards:
- Most valuable player – Celestine Joseph (Pillars)
- Highest 3 point shooter – Timothy Kwaor (Gombe Bulls)
- Highest rebounder – Celestine Joseph (Pillars)
- Highest scorer – Abubakar Usman (Pillars,)
- Fan’s favourite – Mustapha Oyebamiji (Hoops & Read).
