Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) produced a masterful performance to win the Ashanti Regional UPAC Basketball Championship in another tantalizing episode at the tertiary level on Saturday.
Ghana’s second Premier University showed class and character to defeat their city rivals Kumasi Polytechnic 43-27 in an epic final in front of their home fans.
The two teams’ set-up a mouth-watering final after defeating Garden City University College in their respective opening fixtures.
Christian Service University College pulled out of the competition at the eleventh hour over financial difficulties, leaving three teams to battle it out for the qualification slot.
Fans favourite Ekow Emmanuel Amoako delivered another solid performance for KNUST as they strolled to the win and booked their seat for the final in Accra next month.
The former Koforidua Secondary Technical School captain was the toast of fans with his sublime and improved power play to help his side coast to victory.
The chief handler alongside other greats including Kwame Adjei Akrasi and Edem Dompeh made light work of late entrants Garden City University College, walloping them 55-21.
Kumasi Polytechnic also accounted for the same side to set-up what turned out to be an enthralling contest between the two rivals.
Both teams showed their immense potential and spiritedness but in the end experience and motivation aided KNUST to scroll past their opponent with the narrow win.
Experienced trainer Emmanuel Wobil, who doubles as the coach of Kumasi Polytechnic again brought his magic to bear on the team with razor instructions but could not secure victory.
The Ashanti Regional qualifiers coincided with the 2015 Republic Bounz 3-on-3 competition which was also sell-out at the Republic Hall court.
Thousands of students across the country converged at the venue to witness the hugely popular competition and attracted many of the country’s buzzing talents.
It was a weekend of basketball bonanza in the West African country and sees KNUST secure qualification to the national final in Accra between April 23 – 25 alongside Kumasi Polytechnic.
The 2015 UPAC Basketball Championship is brought to you by Dynamite Energy Drink and supported by Access Bank, EV Oil, Premier Cool, Airtel Ghana and Everpure.
Media partners include TV3, Starr FM, Joy FM, Peace FM, Basketballghana.com and Labaari.com.
