The Zenith Bank/NBBF Women Basketball Final Eight began on Tuesday as First Bank of Lagos defeated Bayelsa Blue Whales 53-36 in their opening fixture.

Bayelsa initially pushed hard, edging close in the first quarter (10-11) and second quarter (10-13), but trailed narrowly.

First Bank led 24-20 at half-time, before dominating the third and fourth quarters 17-7 and 12-9, pulling clear of Bayelsa to seal victory.

The Lagos side played under little pressure but tightened its defence as Bayelsa Blue Whales occasionally produced unexpected bursts of energy and attacking flair.

In another fixture, Air Warriors suffered heartbreak as inexperience cost them dearly, losing 54-52 to Royal Aces despite keeping the contest balanced until late.

Air Warriors held a seven-point advantage towards the end, but Royal Aces rallied, forced a 52-52 draw, and then snatched victory in the closing moments.

Elsewhere, Titans Basketball Club defeated Nigeria Customs 51-47, while Dolphins Basketball Club of Lagos narrowly overcame Mountain of Fire Miracles team, also winning 51-47.

Meanwhile, tournament sponsor Zenith Bank PLC announced a prize money of N15.5 million for the eight finalists, to be shared among the winners, runners-up, and outstanding performers.

The champions will receive N7.5 million, runners-up N5 million, and third-placed team N3 million, ensuring substantial rewards for performance and consistency throughout the finals.

Additionally, the Atlantic and Savannah Conference winners will each claim N1 million, while individual award recipients, including the tournament MVP, will receive N500,000 each.

(NAN)