Buoyed by an unexpected win over defending champions in the quarter finals, ESPN defeated Apa Flames with ease to qualify for the final of 2013 ‘Mark D Ball’ basketball championship.
They were undisturbed by the home supports the Otukpo-based Apa Flames were enjoying as they took the lead of the tense encounter from the first quarter.
Again, Ochiebi Okpe was the focal point for ESPN, helping the team to a 51:41 win at the end of the forth quarter.
A 14:11 lead in the first quarter was followed by a 17:9 lead in the second quarter score line for ESPN.
After the half time, Flames turned the tide to win the third quarter 9:8 before a 12:12 scoreline in the final quarter but a sloppy start to the game ensured that their opponents win on 51:41 aggregate scoreline.
ESPN Coach, Willis Ella expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance.
“I feel great. my team played well. We defended well and we are good going forward.”
He said, with his boys’ performance in the semi final, he is optimistic of lifting the trophy after the final.
In the other semi final game, Pioneers of Portharcourt humbled Full Force of Abuja with 49:39 scoreline.
Full Force were one of the teams tipped to get to the final due their quality displays since the commencement of the championship, but the determined Pioneers ensure that they could only fight for a third place.
The Portharcourt side took advantage of their height, size and strength to subdue their opponents, picking up most of the rebounds as well as caging Full Force danger man; Timothy Kwaor.
It was a frustrating game for the Abuja team who never get a grip of the game from the start to the final whistle.
Pioneer will now come against an equally physical side; ESPN, in the final match to be decided on Tuesday midnight.
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