First Bank Basketball Club, suffered a second consecutive defeat in the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA), going down 82–53 to Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in Cairo on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Elephant Girls struggled to match the intensity of the Kenyan champions, who set the tone early by outscoring the Nigerians 19–13 in the first quarter. KPA extended their dominance in the second, taking a 26–11 lead to head into half-time 45–24 up.
Although First Bank showed greater determination in the second half, KPA maintained control, winning the third quarter 19–13 and the fourth 18–16, leaving the Nigerians unable to close the gap.
The Kenyan side forced 20 turnovers, converting 19 points off giveaways, while controlling the boards with 55 rebounds, including 12 offensive. They also scored 40 points in the paint and generated 22 fast-break points, leaving First Bank struggling despite 21 points from their bench.
Wandoo Marvis Hembam led the First Bank charge with 21 points, demonstrating her scoring prowess, while Daphne Olugbagho added 10 points, maintaining her consistent form. However, costly turnovers, rebounding deficits, and KPA’s clinical execution ultimately proved decisive.
KPA’s balanced attack was spearheaded by Aminata Samassekou, who scored 20 points and contributed rebounds, steals, and assists, and Alexus Johnson, whose 19 points and defensive presence dominated the paint. Both finished with efficiency ratings of 22, underlining their influence on the game.
The defeat leaves First Bank fourth in the Group B standings and set to face FAP Women of Cameroon on Tuesday for a final chance to possibly reach the quarter finals.
