AWBL: Nigeria Customs defeat Congo’s CNSS to reach quarter final

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have qualified for the quarter-final of the ongoing African Women’s Basketball League (AWBL).

NCS defeated the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) of the Democratic Republic of Congo 66-57 in their final group game at the Sporting Club Alexandria, Egypt, on Friday.

The Border Girls had lost their previous two games by heavy margins to Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Sporting Alexandria.

Nigeria Customs, however, produced a reinvigorated performance against the Congolese and raced to a 26-15 lead in the first quarter.

CNSS rallied back in the second quarter, and NCS could only score six points as the game finished 33-32 at halftime.

An even more competitive third quarter followed, and the scoreline was tied at 45-all when the buzzer went.

NCS produced a superior fourth quarter and nicked the game by a 9-point difference.

The victory ensured the Border Girls finished third in Group A, just below KPA and Sporting Alexandria, and qualified for the knockout phase of the competition.

Olaoluwatomi Taiwo led Nigeria Customs with 24 points and 3 rebounds, followed by Nkem Akaraiwe with 20 points and 14 rebounds.

The quarter-final fixture is billed for Sunday, December 17.