Defending champions Accra Polytechnic tasted defeat for the first time in a finals game as hosts University of Ghana (UG) inflicted a painful 45-44 defeat at the Central Court courtesy a late three pointer from Emmanuel Wolff.
UG’s win capped an impressive tournament for Ghana’s premier University and reigning GUSA (Ghana Universities Sports Association) Basketball competition who went unbeaten in eight games dating back to preliminary qualifiers in Zone G.
UG had already beaten Accra Polytechnic at the quarter final stage where both teams were housed in Group A before the eagerly awaited game.
Just like the previous game, physical play was dominated the storyline which ultimately resulted in key players fouling out of the game. Farahat Tamimu of Accra Polytechnic and Power Forward Maxwell Mod of UG had to watch from the bench after fouling out of the game.
Tamimu’s absence meant veteran Guard and 2015 Most Valuable Player Abdul Mutaleeb Alhassan had to carry the offensive load of the team and he did not disappoint leading the team to take a two point lead in the game from the free throw line.
Prior to Alhassan’s nerves of steel from the charity stripe, Center Suleman Abubakar’s infectious hustle plays ensured Accra Polytechnic stayed in the game when it looked most likely UG would pull away. With time running down, Emmanuel Wolff who struggled for most parts of the tournament, nailed a deep three point shot to give UG a 45-44 lead with 16 seconds left on the clock.
On the ensuing possession, Accra Polytechnic got called for an offensive foul which gifted UG the chance to run the clock down and end Accra Polytechnic’s reign on in the Championship.
UG Coach Meme Falconer was named Coach of the Tournament whereas Muhaimin Guba was named Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. For his achievement, the lively Forward was rewarded with a brand new mobile phone from MTN and products from Fanyogo and Rexona.
Team UG was presented with a cash prize of3000 Cedis products from Rexona, Fanyogo and MTN. Accra Poly on the other hand received 1500 Cedis for placing second in the competition.
The 2016 UPAC Championship is headlined by Rexona, supported by MTN, CAL Bank and Fanyogo in partnership with Bsketballghana.com, Y FM, TV 3 and Ghana Sports Newspaper.
