The Abuja based team in the Savannah Conference met for the first time this season yesterday in what was called the Abuja Derby. The first two quarters were closed with the Mark Mentors leading with just a point at the end of the second quarter. But Stanley Gumut brought his experience to bear as he dominated on both ends of the floor. Mark Mentors pulled away in the 3rd quarter and maintained the lead to the final buzzer.
The game ended 73 - 80 in Mark Mentors` favour.
Although Rivers Hoopers rested some of its key players, the Port Harcourt side extended their winning streak to 6 to finish at the top of the Atlantic Conference table after defeating visiting Delta Force 64 - 49. Solomon Ajegbeyi led the Kings Men with 18 points, 5 rebounds. The 64 points scored by Rivers Hoopers is the lowest they have scored his season in a game they won. Team`s Head Coach, Ogoh Odaudu attributed this to the `rustiness` of the players.
`I think we did well against Delta Force. I had the opportunity to use a lot of players that I have not used before in a game. I’ll attribute their performance to match rustiness because they have not played enough games like the others.When they got to the court, they were a bit jittery. I think they will get pass it when they play more games`
Kwara Falcons also stayed unbeaten on their home court having won their game against visiting Oluyole Warriors 77 - 68. The Warriors lost 6 of the 7 games played in the first round, but the team is not under pressure says Coach Taiye Sobogun.
`We are not under pressure, the players aren`t. Considering how late we recruited for the season, we`ve played really well. What we really needed was to play as many games to get the team chemistry at a competitive level and so far it has happened. What`s almost certain now is that we`re confident that the second round of the season will be way better than the first`
Here`s the Atlantic Conference Standing at the end of the first round
The Savannah game between Gombe Bulls and Bauchi Nets was postponed till tomorrow Saturday 13 May 2017. In other games, Kada Stars suffered a 30 point blow out when the defending champions Kano Pillars came visiting. Niger Potters defeated Plateau Peaks at home 62 - 50.
The Savannah Conference`s standings will be released after tomorrow`s game between Gombe Bulls and Bauchi Nets. The second round of the league tips off on Thursday 18th May 2017.
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