Teshie Rangers produced a stunning 46-36 win over highly fancied Tema Heat in the first round of the 2018 Tema Community Basketball League postseason.
The fixture was played out earlier tonight at Tema Community 4’s Court under a few days after the shock withdrawal of second seed Ashaiman Lions.
That move meant Heat moved up to take up the second seed while Teshie Rangers moved to seventh from eighth.
The change looked to have a major positive effect as the team played with confidence and strong will to whiter an early Heat storm.
Heat led 12-11 at the end of a cagey first quarter but lost its way midway through the second as Rangers took a 19-12 lead with Emmanuel Ocquaye starring in the run.
Back to back three point shots from Fred Yeboah got Heat within a point of Rangers lead 18-19. But a turnaround jumper and three point shot from Gabriel Numarworse had Rangers up 26-18 at the end of the first half.
Heat endured another long scoreless run to fall 23-37 heading to the final quarter. Andrews Ayienab scored five points to open the final quarter. Rangers responded with the game’s Most Valuable Player Ocquaye delivering a crossover and scoring a beautiful layup as Rangers won.
Game 2 takes place at the same venue on October 21.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
