Basketball in Africa

Wallidan Basketball Club on Saturday night clinched the 2007 Basketball male League title over YMCA Basketball team.

In a well attended and competed final played at the Manneh Sillah Memorial Basketball Court in Banjul. Wallidan defeated YMCA 59-49 points.

Despite the late kick off, around 23pm, the final attracted many Basketball fans from Banjul and KMC including the Former Secretary of State For Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs, Alhagie Samba Faal.

It was YMCA, who first registered the first points just fithteen seconds after the kick off through their play maker Halifa Faal.
But Wallidan came back quickly in the score sheet and took the lead at the middle of the first quarter.
The first quarter ended on a draw 16-16.
The second quarter produced the same scenario but Wallidan players improved on their scoring chances and led at the end of the second quarter and went to the break with a four points margin 29-25.
Wallidan went on the rampage in the third quarter by assuring all their shooting chances while YMCA players missed the best scoring chances including several free throws.
The third quarter went to Wallidan again with a 40-33 points.
The must awaited last quarter of the final produced the best part of the encounter with YMCA closing the gap on Wallidan to 42-42 points but at three minutes to play, Wallidan controlled the game and dominated YMCA.
Wallidan finally clinched the title with a ten points different 59-49.
According to Binet Marong, a member of the Organising Committee, the Winners, Wallidan, would be awarded D20,000 while the Runner up, and YMCA would receive D10,000.
She revealed that the prizes would be awarded in an Award night to be organized soon.

He added that the Awarding Night would also feature a Dong competition, Free throwing competition and a three points competition.