Kwara Falcons secured an important win against Nigeria Army in Group B
last fixture on Friday to advance to the semifinals of the President
Cup.
Both sides had one option: to win, going into the contest but Falcons
overcame their sluggish start in previous games to produce a dominant
display.
Their defense was outstanding to start the game. They stifled Army and
held them to just two points for over four minutes after tip off.
On the offensive end, they scored six quick points to opened a 7-2 run
and couldn’t have asked for a better start.
The trio of Mustapha Oyebanji, Ikenna Okpaluba and David Godwin all
combined for 49 as Falcons claimed a 77-49 win and now will advance to
the Semi Finals where they will face arch rivals, Rivers Hooper’s who
is the only side with one hundred percent record at the championship.
Mustapha who had 17 pts and 2 rebounds, was 5-for-9 from 3 pointers.
Ikenna Okpaluba (16pts, 8 rebound) had 80 percent from field goals
while David Godwin added 16pts and 2 rebounds.
Mohammed Musa was the only Army player to found pretty much space
while attacking Falcons defense. He scored 20 pts, 6 rebounds and 4
assists which kept his side breathing.
Falcons continued to dominate to held a six-point lead after the first
quarter but Army improved to reduce the points to four (31-27) at the
break.
Army sputtered after the break as Falcons capitalize on the majority
of their opportunities by keeping a serious distance after a 17-0
spurt to outscore Army 28-6 in the third.
Falcons took the ball to the basket and possession by possession they
pull clear down the stretch to eventually win by 28 points.
