Stanley UgboajaThe University of Lagos’ male basketball team is through to the final of the 26th edition of the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) after overpowering University of Ilorin, (Unilorin) Kwara State 87-64 in a thrilling encounter played today (Thursday) at the Basketball Courts, Unilag Sports Complex.
The game lived up to its pre-match billing with several 3-point throws, slams and dunks by both teams, which were applauded by mammoth fans who witnessed the encounter.
Unilag made their intentions known right from the outset of the encounter by taking the tie to their opponent. They won the first quarter of the tie 22-14. The second quarter was a high-scoring period for both teams which ended 45-32.
With the support of the home fans, Unilag dominated the third and fourth quarters to earn a place in the final.
In the other tie, Nile University, Abuja defeated the defending champions, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU Zaria) 63-44 to book a spot in their first-ever final in the NUGA basketball event.
The ABU Zaria lads out-muscled their opponent to win the first quarter 18-12. However, the Nile University boys came back stronger in the second quarter to take over the control of the tie to the end.
The encounter, which was termed “final before final” by basketball enthusiasts, was lively from the start to the end.
The final match between the host institution, the University of Lagos, Akoka, and Nile University, Abuja will take place on Friday, March 25, 2022, at the Unilag Sports Complex.
Also, the University of Lagos, Akoka female basketball team will face Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State in the final after seeing off Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, and Nasarawa State University, Keffi respectively in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, as of the time of filing this report, the University of Port-Harcourt, River State are first on the medal table with 63 medals (33 gold, 13 silver, and 17 bronze); they are closely followed by the host, Unilag with 43 medals (16 gold, 17 silver, and 10 bronze; while Nile University, Abuja are third on the medal table with 17 medals (6 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze).
Why is UNN nowhere to be found? 😬😬