The 8 team international invitational basketball hosted by the NBL Asia tagged Seri Mutiara Cup 2017 tipped off in Malaysia on Tuesday 12 September in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Kwese Premier Basketball League winners Kano Pillars played their opening game against Japanese Basketball League winners Link Tochigi Brex; and although Eli Abraham finished with 20pts, Pillars lost to the Japanese side 69-75.
Coach Sani Ahmed admitted that the players could do a lot better citing the fatigue from playing a championship game in Kano on Saturday and leaving the country on Sunday as one of the reasons for the loss;
"We finished our championship game on Saturday and we got here about 5 hours before our first game. It was a very hectic trip but I think our boys tried. Unfortunately also, two of our best players are with the national team playing in Afrobasket 2017"
Image - Onvisa Thewphaingarm
Team Captain Matthew Onmonya added that the team will take the competition one game at time. Pillars are expected to play 2 more group games today and tomorrow as follows;
13 September - Kano Pillars vs Beijing Flying Dragons - 2pm
14 September - Kano Pillars vs Korea LG Sakers - 7pm
Semi finals and classification games will be played on Saturday 16th while the Finals will be played on Sunday 17th September.
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