Braves of CEPS extended its’ winning streak in the 2016 Accra Basketball League (ABL) season with a 55-29 hammering to Navy in the second week. The round also had Tudu Magic capitalized on a partisan crowd to beat Air Force 43-40 and DC Dynamics lost 59-65 to Prisons Reformers in other games played on the day.
Defending champions Braves made a seemingly tough battle with an improved Navy side look pretty easy with another outstanding display. The team outclassed Holy Family in the opening round with a 69-37 shellacking.
What stood out in that contest was Braves inability to score more against an opponent that played without substitutes and a coach which seemed to suggest Braves was not all conquering like were in previous seasons.
However, any lingering doubts over their championship credentials were put to bed as the rich roster pulled through a physical, rough test by the Navy side. Point Guard Baniba Dodzie showed his shooting skills in the latter quarters after struggling to find his shot whilst battling foul trouble. His recovery culminated in facilitating the move of the game with a cute pass for Hashim Braimah to finish with an up and under layup.
Navy was competitive in the first quarter holding Braves to a scoreless opening five minutes in the game. The team did score but faced a four point deficit heading into the second quarter before fading out of the game as time elapsed.
Braves Coach Braimah Lawal was not impressed with the performance of game officials who he felt issued wrong calls on plays particularly those involving Baniba.
The team currently is the only unbeaten side of the new season.
