Mother luck saw Petro Atletico basketball club of Angola through a titanic semi-final battle against ASB Mazembe basketball club of Democratic Republic of Congo Sunday night of the 24th FIBA Africa Champions Club for Men holding in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Congolese side had stretched the Angolan to the limit taken a comfortable first quarter lead of 25-16 points, Petro a former Africa champion fought back in the second quarter winning the quarter by 28-25 points for a 50-44 points’ deficit.
Efforts by the Eduardo Mingas led Petro Atletico side continue the battle against the Mazembe side in the third quarter reducing the gap by one point via a 24-23 points win going into the last quarter trailing the more determined Congolese side by five points of 73-68 points.
The fourth quarter resumed with both sides going for each jugular with Petro tying the game at 88 points apiece with just ten seconds left in the game with Petro being possession of the ball as Curtis Terry taking a bold move for a lay-up at the buzzer that finally separates them and ASB Mazembe side and grand finale ticket against fellow Angolan and cup holder, Primeiro d’Agosto basketball club.
Terry poured in 24 points just as Mario Porters added 20 points with captain, Mingas napping a double double of 12 points and 11 rebounds while Fernando Albano contributed 10 points for their side hard earned victory.
Mazembe will battle host, APR Lions basketball club of Rwanda for the third place title before the final battle on Tuesday.