There are a lot of things to draw from the matchup between Team Nile and Team Unilag. Team Nile had problems dominating the first quarter but fought for a lead in the first quarter of the game with Unilag.
The first quarter of the matchup ended at 16-15. The second quarter began slowly, but the game truly came alive when Nile’s small forward, Uchichi Samuel, returned to the court.
After being sidelined due to an injury sustained in the first matchup against Unilag, Uchichi made his comeback with nine minutes remaining on the clock, instantly raising the intensity of the game.
Nile’s Uchechi made his first consecutive four-point in the second quarter but was sent back to the bench almost immediately due to his knee strain.
This was when Nile’s Umar Garba took up the cross to make strong statements against Unilag and Nile’s Abuchi Favour making back to back 3 points with 5 minutes down the clock, the 2nd quarter ended at 36-27.
Favour continued to exploit Unilag’s defensive weaknesses in the third quarter, helping Nile extend their lead to 45-33. Favour had to step up into action when Gabar was hit in the stomach by Unilag’s shooting guard Ileri.
Favor was making dominant two-point back-to-back shots.In response, Unilag intensified their aggression, attempting to mount a counterattack in the 4th quarter, but it seemed too late a campaign.
UNILAG staged an impressive comeback in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap from a 45-33 deficit to just 57-54. However, the real issue for Unilag, and what ultimately cost them the game, Ashimolowo Kehinde missed free throws when it mattered most.
Their shooting struggles in the fourth quarter proved costly. If we’re being honest, and if the fans were to be truthful about what they saw today, Nile was the better team.
Though Unilag had the potential to perform better, Nile once again came out on top in this matchup. This victory echoes their historic win against Unilag at Nuga, and they now aim to make history again tomorrow against Lasu.
Written by Temitope Ajibade, Media Volunteer
