NSF: Heartbreak for Team Ogun in basketball finals

It was not a good outing for Team Ogun in the basketball finals (men and women) decided on Tuesday, as they lost to Team Lagos and Team Bayelsa in stunning fashion, www.aclsports.com reports.

With gold up for grabs at the packed Alake Sports Centre, the Lagos men’s basketball team showed class to defeat the hosts 48-34 in a keenly contested match.

It was the hosts, supported by their loud home support, who came out firing, and dominating the early exchanges. However, Lagos, favourites from the get go, steadily grew into the game, and eventually took control of the contest.

In the third and fourth quarters, it was more of tactical control from Team Lagos as they did well to limit the hosts to few scoring points while they pull away before eventually winning the final.

In the Women’s final, Bayelsa State defeated hosts Ogun State 59-37 to claim gold. It was a tight contest  between the two teams, with Bayelsa leading by just five points (30-25) at halftime.

However, Bayelsa, defending champions of the event, came out with renewed intensity and vigour in the second half to pull away and claim a 22-point victory.

After guiding his side to gold, Bayelsa head coach Tony Nelson expressed his delight at retaining the title.

“We were well prepared going into the final. We knew Ogun didn’t get here by luck—they’re a strong team. I told my girls to stay focused from start to finish, and I thank God for this victory,” Nelson said.

“The score may look like it was an easy win, but it was our preparation that made the difference.”

Team Ogun will definitely be disappointed for falling short in both finals, but they can be pleased with their team’s overall performance in the basketball event on home soil.