Basketball in Africa

Otukpo — Nigerian champions, First Deep Water basketball club of Lagos will tackle Rockers of Jos in a mouth watering final of the Female category of the ongoing 'Mark D Ball' basketball championship in Otukpo.The encounter which promises to be breathtaking is scheduled to take place tonight at the Otukpo basketball court.First Deep Water have been in scintillating form since the commencement of the championship, brushing away all obstacles on their path to the final.They took the form into their encounter with FCT Angels of Abuja in the semi final, beating their opponents 37:21 in a comfortable win.

First Deep Water coach, Lateef Folami, Said his players didn't play according to instructions, claiming they have the potential of playing better.

"They didn't play well. This is not their best. They have a misunderstanding amongst themselves."He, however, expressed optimism that his girls will edge out their opponents in the final.First Deep Water forward who was voted the Most Valuable Player of the match, Blessing Dabor, said it was a tough game but her team mates banked She said having gotten to the final, they were going to do their best to win the competition.In the other semi-final match, Rockers of Jos came from behind to beat Pearls basketball club of Lagos in the entertaining encounter.They were levelled; 8:8 after the first quarter before Peals went ahead their opponents; 17:12 and 26:22 in the third and fourth quarters.However, the Jos team rallied round to make it 36:36 at the final whistle before going on to win 43:38 in extra time.