Lagos – Coach Johnson Ayinla of the Union Bank Basketball Team of Lagos has described their dramatic 72-71 victory over their city rivals, Dodan Warriors, as well deserved.

Ayinla told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the victory was achieved through determination and discipline.

The match was played on Friday evening at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The coach noted that the team came from an 11-point gap behind to beat Warriors.

“We did not give up regardless of the score line, 60-49, at the end of the third quarter.

“I told my players not to commit more fowls but put more pressure on the ball especially in the defence.

“In the fourth quarter, we noticed their relaxed attitude on the ball; then, we added more pressure and ensured we made our three points shot to close in on the score margin.

“The win is just a simple lesson that when it is not over in the game of basketball, anything can still happen,” Ayinla said.

NAN reports that with the victory and three games to round off the regulation season, the Atlantic Conference defending champions, now top the Conference log of the ongoing DStv Premeir League.

Meanwhile, Dike Azouma of the Dodan Warriors, who was outstanding in the match with 24 points recorded for his team, described the loss as a terrible one.

“We were lackadaisical, having dominated the game and played well in all departments; we regret the loss; it indeed is not in our character,” he said.

– NAN