The Alumni of Bayero University Kano suffered a slim 32-27 loss against students of the prestigious institution in a basketball novelty match played over the weekend in Kano.
The Alumni roaster featured notable figures such as journalist Ali M. Ali, Faruk Raji who is a former captain of the school basketball team, Jamilu Muhammad, Usman Raji, Amos James, Coach Idanwekhai Wilson, Adewale Osubu, Mustapha Baba, and Idris Yaro.
The students’ team comprised star players from the silver and bronze medal-winning male and female teams at the recent West African University Games held at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.
As anticipated, the initial quarter unfolded with the Alumni players showing signs of rust as they struggled to score.
Consequently, the students seized an early eight-point lead, later expanding it to 12 points, concluding the first quarter at 14-2.
The Alumni staged a comeback in the second quarter, with Jamilu Muhammad and Mustapha Baba drawing fouls for crucial free throws.
Adewale Osubu contributed significantly, sinking a three-pointer to narrow the gap, ending the quarter at 17-9. Despite receiving more free throws in the third quarter, the Alumni converted only 3 out of 18 attempts. A pivotal moment came when Jamilu Muhammad scored four consecutive points through turnovers, propelling the Alumni into the lead at 18-17.
However, the friendly match ended 32-27 in favour of the students.
In a post-match interview, former captain of BUK basketball team, Faruk Raji, said “I do have a foundation that is trying to reach out to the students of this institution via a program that aims to bring together the best talented basketballers to represent this great institution so we can remain a force to reckon with whenever we play at University games.”
The professional basketballer also emphasized the dual focus on education and basketball, acknowledging that not everyone will pursue a career in basketball.
Raji pledged ongoing support for students and the organization of more events to foster such interactions.
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