Hoops & Reads Clinch CDS Unity Basketball Title After Narrow Win Over Police Baton

Hoops & Reads Clinch CDS Unity Basketball Title After Narrow Win Over Police Baton

By Niyi Busari 

 Hoops & Reads were crowned champions of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Southwest Unity Basketball Championship after edging out Police Baton in a tightly contested 55–52 victory in Sunday’s final at the Indoor Sports Hall of National Stadium Surulere Lagos.

Played in front of a lively crowd, the game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. The first quarter ended evenly at 12-12, but Hoops & Reads turned up the intensity in the second and third quarters, outscoring Police Baton 17-8 and 14-9 respectively. Those dominant stretches gave the eventual champions a commanding lead going into the final quarter.

Despite a strong fourth-quarter comeback attempt from Police Baton, who outscored Hoops & Reads 23-12, it was too little too late as Hoops & Reads held on to claim the title.

Prize Money and Podium Finishers

For their efforts, Hoops & Reads received a ₦2 million cash prize, while runners-up Police Baton took home ₦1.5 million.

In the third-place match, Oluyole Warriors defeated Delta Force 68-55 to secure bronze. Oluyole dominated the early stages of the game, winning the first two quarters 24-10 and 19-9, respectively. Although Delta Force responded with a stronger second half taking the third quarter 17-7 and the fourth 19-17 the early deficit proved insurmountable.

The tournament, which brought together elite teams from across the southwest and beyond, was aimed at promoting unity and peace through sport, under the patronage of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.