A peach performance from Anthony Thomas has helped the Nigerian Army Rockets to their first win at the NBBF President Cup.
The Army Rockets defeated the Lagos Islanders 67-87 Thursday evening at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere.
Nigarm Rockets, inspired by the brilliance of Thomas, led from the first to the fourth quarter before wrapping up the 20-point win.
The forward had put in an excellent display to finish with a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds.
He was closely followed by his teammate, Maikano Danjuma, who had 19 points and three blocks.
With the result, the Army Rockets have now registered their first win in the President Cup following their narrow defeat in the opener against Raptors on Wednesday.
Speaking to www.aclsports.com on their performance after the match, Thomas says the Rockets played more as a team against the Islanders than in their opener.
“This game (against Islanders) we were calm and played as a team, and that is why we got the victory, ” he said.
On his personal performance on the day and what he expects next from his side, he added;
“I use patience to play basketball, that’s where i get everything I do (on the court). We have to prepare for the next game and by the grace of God, we would take it (too).”
Hoopers make it two wins in two
In the other matchday two matches, Rivers Hoopers have won their second win of the NBBF President Cup.
Hoopers beat Benue Braves 91-66 but it was a more difficult game for the Hoops than the result suggests.
After their dominant win on Wednesday, Hoopers were made to dig deeper on Thursday by the Braves, who were walked over on matchday one after a no-show.
The Hoopers kept their nerves, however, to prevail with Abdul Yahaya their most outstanding player.
Yahaya had 19 points and eight rebounds but the game’s best was Umar Garba of Braves, who finished with a massive 26 points and five rebounds.
Lagos sides, Raptors pulled off the shock of the day following their 75-66 victory over Kwara Falcons.
In a very entertaining encounter, both teams took turns to share the lead, Raptors took the first quarter before Falcons bounced back to lead at the break.
However, the young Lagos team regained control of the match in the third quarter and never looked back to seal their second win in the President Cup.
Earlier on, Niger Potters returned to winning ways with a 67-60 win over Civil Defenders for their first win of the Final 8.
