Tema Heat remains on course for a place in the Finals of the 2018 Tema Community Basketball League after grabbing a 53-51 win over Francophone Stars.
The win came in the first of potentially three games between the sides in the semifinals of this year’s competition at the Tema Community 4 Court.
In a largely scrappy game that had a lot of turnovers, poor shooting display and poor shot selection, the veteran laden Heat side prevailed.
Both teams traded three point shots with Cedric Nambi of Francophone Stars and Andrews Ayienab of Heat scoring in a frantic opening to the game. Heat led 10-7 with four minutes left in the quarter.
However, the latter part of the quarter was ridden with a lot turnovers as Francophone profited from multiple free throw to take a 14-13 first quarter lead.
Fred Yeboah ended a long scoring drought for Heat with a three point shot and a driving layup. Yannick Mbemba grabbed the final points in the first half off a drive. The game was tied at 26 at half time.
After struggling with his shot all game, Ayienab gave Heat a 35-34 lead with a three point shot after Osei Kuffuor put Francophone ahead. Heat led 40-38 at the end of the third quarter.
The game’s lead changed several times in the final quarter but Heat piped Francophone to Game One’s lead thanks to the two point win.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
