​Defenders book last ticket to Elite 8 | FIBA ABL

Group B, FIBA Africa Basketball League (FIBA ABL). Cotonou, Benin Republic.

At the first edition of the FIBA ABL, Defenders Basketball of Nigeria defeated host team, Elan Sportif of Benin Republic, 62-58, to qualify for the Elite 8.

Both teams came out in their AFA Sports gears and foot-locks, in a battle of the better!

The intensity was great on both sides who sought to get their second win in a bid to be amongst the top 8 teams in the African continent.

Starting at the first quarter, Defenders came up strong, finishing 19-11, but just before halftime, Elan Sportif made more points, 14-18.

Defenders increased the lead scoring more points at the third quarter, 17-11, but nearly got overrun at the last minute by Elan Sportif who made more points at the fourth, 12-18.

The slender lead of 4 points, was enough to make or break any team, depending who is on the receiving end. And this time, it favoured the Nigerian side.

#11 Ocheibi Okpe was on fire today getting a double-double: 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

#7 Ibe Abuchi Agu continued his double-digit ways;  13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.

#13 Umar Garba had 14 points and 5 rebounds.

In other news, Nigerian player on the Benin team, John Owhe had the highest efficiency of 13. Generally, he secured 9 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal.

With the turn of things, General Manager Victor Okoro, congratulated the team for their hard work and dedication.

The Elite 8 tips off on March 22nd, 2019 and ends 14 April, 2019.