NIGERIA : Pillars, Hoopers qualify for semi finals

Kano Pillars, Royal Hopers and Lagos Islanders became the first teams to qualify for the semi finals of the Dstv Basketball League play off as they won their second straight matches Saturday at the Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos.

On Day Two, Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt cut Union Bank 76-75 in the opening match of the day which was keenly contested. The played the third match of the day and defeated Kadda Stars. Plateau Peaks defeated Niger Potters 72-62 in their Friday match but they will have to play Islanders Saturday to know their fate. Dodan Warriors will also wait until Saturday to be sure if they will qualify or drop out. Islanders defeated the Warriors 72-67 to book a place in the semi finals.

Union Bank and Niger Potters became the first teams to dropout after losing their first two matches out of the total three matches at the round robin stage.

Sunday is the rest day all the eight teams while they reassemble on Monday to engage themselves in the semi final battles. The final match and third place game will hold Tuesday along with the closing ceremony for the season.

Day-One RESULTS
Islanders - Niger Potters: 70-60
Kano Pillars - Union Bank: 98-86
Plateau Peaks -Dodan Warriors: 76-81
Royal Hoopers - Kadda Stars: 79-71
Day-Two RESULTS
Union Bank- Royal Hoopers : 75-76
Niger Potters - Plateau Peaks: 62-72
Dodan Warriors - Islanders: 67-72

By Pius Ayinor
FIBA Africa