Defending champions Accra Polytechnic took a major step in winning a third consecutive title Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges (UPAC) Basketball Championship by beating Valley View University 59-24 in Zone F’s qualifiers.
The host team led from the start and extended its’ lead as time wore on. Valley View University, making a debut appearance in the Championship could only muster a few short-lived scoring runs which deflated with the slightest turn up in tempo from the defending champions.
Contrary to speculations, star Small Forward Farahat Aliu Tamimu was in Accra Poly’s starting group that set the pace early in the game to end the first half leading 27-15. With Valley View University missing a chunk of its team that featured in an official scrimmage prior to the official commencement of the Championship.
The usual suspects came to the party for Accra Poly as Abdul Mutaleeb Alhassan and Farahat led the charge, making crucial baskets when Valley View seemed to be getting back in the game.
Zenith University College takes on debutants Blue Crest College in the next game.
Accra Poly will take on Zenith University in the second round of the qualifying series before an all-debutants contest between Blue Crest and Valley View follows.
The 2016 UPAC Championship is supported by MTN, CAL Bank and Fanyogo in partnership with Basketballghana.com, TV3, YFM and Ghana Sports Newspaper.
