Police and CEPS completed the list for the semi-final pairings in the Thome Cabalan Championship after both sides negotiated their respective ties on a rainy day at the Lebanon court on Tuesday.
The games were delayed for close to two hours to allow the sopping water on the court to dry before the two teams got hostilities underway.
CEPS continued their unbeaten run and their dominance on the local scene with another expected victory over highly improved Magic in the first game.
Inspired by national team captain, Dodzie, the defending Greater Accra champions had an easy task in the first quarter displaying some sublime piece of skills to lead their opponent 18-13. Coach Braimah Lawah’s who had booked their place in the semi-final prior to jump ball, showed no mercy for their host and with start point guard Dodzie in fine form for his side, it was always clear they will carry the day.
The National team captain showed why he’s considered the best sniper in Ghana basketball with 7 incredible three-point field goals in a game which was watched by a sizeable crowd who defied the early downpour.
CEPS continued to dominate in the second quarter and managed to hold onto their lead and ended the session 39-30 but a strong comeback in the penultimate quarter for Magic pegged the two teams at 57-42. Magic fought extremely well in the final quarter but lack of concentration and comedy of errors cost them as they laboured to a 68-61 defeat to their counterpart.
Meanwhile Police’s impressive 104-48 victory over Fire in the last game of the day means they qualify to the next stage of the competition.
Police went into the game knowing that only a comprehensive win over Fire could savage any chance of them qualifying from a difficult group and they rightly responded with a swash buckling performance on the final match of the group stages to silence the home fans who were praying for their defeat.
A flurry of attacks in the final quarter was all Police needed to silence their critics and booked their place in the semi-finals where they battle Tema Youth.
CEPS on the other hand have a crunch tie against Hoops in the biggest fixture of the competition on Wednesday.
By: Patrick Akoto
