The seasoned First Bank Women Basketball Club, fondly known as the Elephant Ladies, began their quest for another crown in style on Tuesday, brushing aside newcomer side Victoria Queens 68-57 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
As teams converged for the high-stakes Final 8 showdown of the Zenith Bank League, this particular fixture carried plenty of intrigue. Having previously squared off twice in the Atlantic Conference with both sides taking a win apiece, expectations were high for a tactical battle.
Right from the opening whistle, the experienced Elephant Ladies asserted their authority. They methodically took control of the tempo, comfortably claiming the first three quarters with scores of 19-14, 16-7, and 21-11 to build a seemingly unassailable lead heading into the final stretch.
Credit must go to the debutants, however, who refused to back down quietly. Victoria Queens mounted a fierce rally in the final period, outscoring their opponents 25-12 in a late surge that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, the early deficit proved too steep to overcome, allowing the veteran campaigners to weather the storm and secure the opening win.
This crucial victory hands the Elephant Ladies an early psychological advantage in the tournament, while the debutants face an immediate test of character to keep their championship hopes alive.
Action continues across the board with several high-profile clashes lined up. The Bayelsa Blue Whales are set to lock horns with Aso Sky Queens, and Victoria Queens will desperately look to steady their campaign against a formidable Nigeria Customs outfit. Meanwhile, the Elephant Ladies face another stern test against the Air Warriors, as MFM and Titans prepare to square off in the day’s finale, all fighting for the ultimate right to dethrone reigning champions Dolphins.
