A massive crowd was on hand to see Accra Polytechnic book a spot in the quarter finals of the 2016 Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges (UPAC) Basketball Championship. Accra Poly topped Zone F in ongoing preliminary qualifiers held at the institution.
The mammoth gathering began filing unto courtside early in the day prior to jump ball and got treated to loads and loads of highlight reel dunks, dead eye shooting and incredible levels of athleticism as hosts Accra Poly handed debutants Valley View University a baptism of fire by beating them 59-24.
The largely partisan crowd filled with students, lecturers and well wishers of the institution did their part by howling at the opponent who looked lost for most parts of the game as they struggled to drum out the endless songs from “jama” groups serenading the players.
High profile personalities including Elloeny Amande of “Sports Station Fame” on Ghana Television station TV3, representatives from corporations associated with the competition, players, coaches and members of the media were also present courtside.
Accra Polytechnic’s dominance looked set to roll on after dominant wins in two games till the final game against little known Blue Crest College. In what was expected to be a massacre, Blue Crest surprised all by converting tough shots and matching up to their opponents.
2015 Most Valuable Player Abdul Mutaleeb Alhassan’s ejection from the game also more spice to the game. In the end, Blue Crest’s challenge fizzled in the latter stages as the home team sealed a third win.
Fans were also treated to corporate-themed fun activities like the female free throw shooting contest, three point shootout which was won by Valley View’s leader Bright Masi, half court shootout-won by Marshalls University coach James Okine and musical chairs.
The 2016 UPAC Championship is supported by MTN, Fanyogo and CAL Bank in partnership with Basketballghana.com, TV3, Y FM and Ghana Sports Newspaper.
