Hoops sink Baton to claim unity cup
The 4th Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Unity Basketball Championship ended on Sunday, with Hoops and Read defeating Police Baton 55–52 to claim the title.
Twelve elite teams from the South-West states competed fiercely for honours in the week-long championship.
In the final, Hoops and Read displayed composure and organisation, dictating the pace of the match from start to finish at the indoor sports hall.
Their superior ball control and teamwork kept them ahead, as Police Baton committed multiple turnovers and costly errors in the second and third quarters.
The first quarter ended 12–12, but Police Baton lost focus in the second, allowing Hoops and Read to take control with 17–8 and 14–9 quarter wins.
In spite of a late rally by Police Baton, led by veteran Kayode Balogun, their 13–11 final-quarter surge was not enough to overturn the deficit.
Head Coach of Hoops and Read, Dossou Mensah, said it was a tough game that required resilience and tactical discipline to secure victory.
“We knew it wouldn’t be an easy match. Police Baton have great experience, but our turnaround in the second quarter gave us confidence,” he said.
Police Baton’s Head Coach, Jonathan Odia, however, criticised the officiating, expressing disappointment with what he described as inconsistent refereeing.
“We had a good run in the tournament, and I commend the CDS for promoting youth engagement through sports,” Mr Odia.
Oluyole Warriors clinched third place after defeating Delta Force of Warri 68–55 in an entertaining bronze-medal contest.
Hoops and Read received ₦2 million as champions, while Police Baton and Oluyole Warriors earned ₦1.5 million and ₦1 million respectively.
The CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, commended participating teams for their outstanding performances and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
He praised the local organising committee for hosting a successful event that showcased discipline, teamwork, and national unity.
Mr Musa reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting youth development through basketball, football, and other sports across the federation.
(NAN)
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