Defending champions Accra Polytechnic delivered another solid performance to qualify to the finals of the 2015 UPAC Basketball Championship following back-to-back wins over Zenith University College on Thursday.
In an explosive contest riddled with near controversy after debutant Ghana Technology University College pulled out over frivolous reasons, the game lived up to its billing with a record crowd inside the centre court of the Accra-based side.
Despite being decimated by the unavailability of two key players – Baniba Dodzie and Daniel Nii Aryee, Accra Poly showed no signs of slowing down right from the blast of the whistle, leading to 42-33 win in the first game.
The two teams resumed court action for the second match of the day and it was obvious stamina was going to be a key ingredient in the deciding factor.
Buoyed by the ever-present Zulu Community cheer leading group, the fans turned up in their numbers to propel their side to coast to a second massive victory, winning 78-60 to secure their passage to the finals expected to take place later this month.
Thursday’s encounter is perhaps the most watched at the school’s arena with a huge crowd turning up to catch a glimpse of their stars.
Despite losing the plot against their experienced counterpart, Zenith will take a lot of credit for their patience and cohesion.
The PUSAG champions were not outclassed and outplayed. They won the fans over with their gallant display.
Accra Poly are now in serious contention to defend their trophy ahead of the hugely anticipated final from April 23-25.
They join the likes of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi Polytechnic, Takoradi Polytechnic, University of Professional Studies and University of Cape Coast.
The final qualifying zone takes place in the Greater Accra on April 11 where the University of Ghana host Marshalls University College, Central University College and Wisconsin International.
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.
its really sad when 1 person stands in for a whole team and say they not playing because the court is not standard or is not good… really bad…..i know GTUC is made up of individual good players and they need the right “technical” coaches like coach LAWAL to help them realise their dreams not self acclaimed coaches….
nana ASEIDU…A POLY
nice
Access poly all the way this yr
Accra poly all the way this yr
Accra poly all the way ma name is Reggy I will be joining u guys later Accraaa Poly no seize