Elan Coton Basketball Club of Republic of Benin on Monday defeated Delta Force of Asaba, 63-59 to register their first win at the ongoing Louis Edem Invitational Basketball Championship in Lagos.
The competition, holding at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos State, has 10 male teams and eight female teams competing for honours.
Elan Coton clearly dominated game proceedings as they rose to an early lead of 15-10 in the close of the first quarter of the game.
Their lead was, however, cut short in the second quarter of the game as Delta Force physical ball play enabled them to seize the second quarter with a 18-11 points.
Realising the danger of losing the game, Elan Coton changed their tactics and matched Delta Force in their physical approach.
They (Elan Coton) were more clinical at the offensive ball play and proved too hot for Delta Force to halt their surge as they (Elan Coton) took the third quarter, 16-11.
Elan Coton were resolute on maintaining their lead despite Delta Force determination and never say die approach to the game.
The final quarter was keenly contested by both teams and could have gone Delta Force way, but for some unforced errors by Delta Force defence line.
Elan Coton capitalised on the errors to cast home their first win in the tournament.
Delta Force Head Coach, Kehinde Edogun, told NAN that his team fell at the dying minutes of the game and it was crucial to the out one of the game.
“We lost concentration at the dying moments of the game, and it cost us the game. We hope to work hard in future games and don’t concede defeat,” Edogun said.
Similarly, the Head Coach of Elan Coton, Gilles Kouamo told NAN that he was excited about their first win in the competition.
“It’s a testament to our hard work and determination to play well and win. We look forward to other tougher opponents with a lot of confidence,” Kouamo said.
The competition which dunked off on Jan. 26 comes to conclusion on Feb.2, where the 2025 Champion will be crowned.