Defending champions Dolphins Basketball Club finally opened their winning account in the second phase of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League, edging Royal Aces 55–53 in a tense encounter at the Basketball Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The champions were made to work for every point as Royal Aces matched their stride for stride from the opening quarter, which ended 15–15.
Dolphins, however, found some rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring their opponents 13–9 to establish a 28–24 advantage at halftime.
Royal Aces refused to surrender and came out strongly after the break, winning the third quarter 14–11 to cut Dolphins’ lead to just one point at 39–38 heading into the final quarter.
The closing period produced another fierce battle, with both sides trading baskets in a frantic finish. Dolphins eventually held their nerve, taking the quarter 16–15 to secure a narrow two-point victory.
A crucial free throw from Dolphins combo guard Biola Moses proved decisive in the closing stages, helping the defending champions survive the late pressure and claim their first victory of the phase.
The victory will come as a relief to a young Dolphins side assembled only four days before the commencement of the league.
Earlier in the day, Bayelsa Blue Whales defeated First Deep Water 36–26, while First Bank recorded the biggest win of the day, thrashing I.G.P. Queens 100–29.
MFM Basketball Club completed the day’s action with an 80–58 victory over Victoria Queens in a thrilling contest.
Victoria Queens made history as the first team in the phase to lead MFM during a game, pushing the league heavyweights hard before the Lagos-based side took control in the final quarter.
With the second phase concluding today, Dolphins will return to action against First Deep Water in the third game of the day, hoping to build on their breakthrough victory and finish the phase on a high.
I.G.P. Queens will face Royal Aces in the opening game, followed by Victoria Queens against Bayelsa Blue Whales.
Dolphins will then battle First Deep Water, while MFM and First Bank will square off in the final game of the phase in what promises to be a heavyweight clash.
By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Port Harcourt
