Union Bank, Islanders, Warriors win opening games

RUNNER-UP at the 2010/2011 DStv Premier Basketball League, Union Bank Basketball Club, last weekend opened its campaign in the 2011/2012 season with a 77-70 points win over rejuvenated Chariot Basketball Club at the sports hall of the Lagos National Stadium.The Stallion Boys won the first, second and fought quarters 23-22, 21-15, 20-18 but lost the third 13-15 in the season opener. The highly rated game saw Union Bank's small forward, John Paul Okojie, lead his team's quest for victory with a double double of 21 points and 12 rebounds and gave two assists, while youngster Tope Arikawe poured in 12 points, 12 rebounds and three steals to help the coach Ayinla Johnson side secure a valuable victory.Chariot's free scoring guard, Adeola Alade, led the floor with 23 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. In the second game of the opening day, two former champions, Comets Basketball Club and Islanders Basketball Club, took to the floor in what turned out an explosive battle, with Comets opening a 10-point lead in the first quarter with 30-20 points of 11-10 and 19-10.Islanders came back strongly in the third and fourth quarters, forcing the coach Ayo Bakare Comets to beat a retreat as it went down 06-16 and 24-28 points respectively for a final scoreline of 60-64 points.Islanders' guard, Seyi Ayodele, led his team with 12 points, the Union Bank former captain making all his points from the three points and four of seven attempts. Orseer Ikyaator had 10 points and three assists, with Comets' forward, Michael Udo's 22 points and nine rebounds the highest scores recorded on the game.In the other games played in the week one of the league, 2006 FIBA Africa Champions Cup third place finisher, Dodan Warriors, defeated Nigeria Customs Service 74-65. Defending champion, Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt, humbled Police Baton of Lagos 59-49.Three games were decided in the Savannah Conference, where Niger Potters of Minna lost 50-75 at home to three-time champion, Kano Pillars, Bauchi Nets defeated Kada Stars of Kaduna 65-62 in a thrilling game while Nigeria Immigration of Kano lost at home to Yelwa Hawks of Bauchi by 50-64 points.
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