Basketball
By Kayode Adebiyi
Abuja, March 14, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian National Division I and II Basketball Leagues began on Tuesday with ten teams participating in Division I and six in Division II.
More matches are being played this Wednesday involving ten teams in both divisions.
In the Division I matches decided at the Ilorin Township Stadium, Osun Lions defeated Gombe Jewel Bulls 74 – 61 with Henry Lawrence shooting 20, 7 rebounds.
Yusuf Yusuf added 19 points, 10 rebounds to give the Osun side victory over the Jewel Bulls, whose Boniface John and Shamsudeen Suleiman managed 10 points each.
Ebun Comets of Akure also defeated Abuja All-Star 64 – 57 with Ayodeji Balogun amassing 15 points, 12 rebound while Kelvin Obasoha managed 13 points and Sholola Shuaib, 11 points.
The match between Anambra Flames and AHIP Giants ended 82 – 63 in favour of the Anambra side.
Lukman Kuti’s 20 points, 12 rebounds was the highlight of the match, with Okechukwu Nwachukwu amassing 14 points, 10 rebounds.
AHIP Giants’, Saheed Shittu matched Kuti’s 20 points, but managed 4 rebound, while Olusegun Samuel had 6 points, 8 rebound, 3 steal and 3 blocks.
In Division II matches decided same day, Stan Leopards defeated Titan Stars Academy by 58 – 53 with Umar Magaji’s 20 points helping to secure the narrow victory.
Showtime Hoopers fared better in their 67 – 56 victory over Gilali Balls.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the matches in both divisions continue on Wednesday, with Anambra Flames facing Osun Lions.
Ebun Comets will tackle Gombe Jewel Bulls while Abuja All-Stars will take on AHIP Giants in other Division I matches.
In Division II, Ogun Pacers will take on Stan Leopards, while Showtime Hoopers are billed to confront Titan Stars Academy. (NAN)
KIA/AIB/MZA
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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Maharazu Ahmed