The South Bank Colleges (SBC) basketball team embarked on an exhilarating journey to Edgware Road, gearing up for a showdown against City of Westminster College (CWC). Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by Lindon, the Sports manager at CWC, who guided the team into the changing rooms, setting the stage for a compelling match.
Before the opening tip-off, a one minute silence took place in memory of Victor Owusu, adding a moving touch to the game. As the first quarter unfolded, CWC took control, seizing opportunities to put points on the board. The SBC defense faced significant pressure, resulting in a six-point deficit by the end of the quarter. In response, strategic substitutions and new instructions from the coach sparked a spirited comeback. The players rallied, putting up a resilient defense and narrowing the gap. By halftime, the score was level, and confidence surged through the squad.
The third quarter unfolded as a nail-biter, with both teams fiercely contesting every lead. Tension permeated the atmosphere, heightened by the passionate home crowd cheering on their team's every point. The referee found himself caught in the crossfire, pressured by both sides and issuing warnings to the bench about improving behavior, even threatening to halt the game.
As the final quarter commenced, the intensity reached its peak. Despite a valiant effort to secure victory, the SBC team ultimately fell short, losing by a mere two points. The game, however, stood as a testament to the skill and determination of both teams, delivering a thrilling spectacle for players and spectators alike.
Reflecting on the match, SBC's Coach Amadu Kalleh and Assistant Coach Osita Aneke acknowledged the challenges faced and the commendable effort put forth by the team. Despite the outcome, the camaraderie and sportsmanship exhibited made it a great game of basketball, fostering an atmosphere of enjoyment for all involved.