By DUNG CHUNG
Maktown Fliers overcame a half-time deficit to defeat Lagos Raptors 67-61 on Day 3 of the Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBFL) Final 8 playoffs in Port Harcourt.
Lagos Raptors made the stronger start, winning the opening quarter 16-13 and extending their advantage in the second to lead 37-32 at half-time.
Maktown returned from the break with greater defensive intensity and improved offensive execution, winning the third quarter 16-13 to reduce the deficit to two points.
The Fliers then took control in the final quarter, outscoring the Raptors 19-11 to complete the comeback and secure the victory.
The game featured seven lead changes, with Maktown’s pressure defence and transition play proving important in the closing stages.
The Fliers committed 20 turnovers but forced Lagos into 23. They converted the Raptors’ turnovers into 20 points, while Lagos scored nine points from Maktown’s mistakes.
Maktown also held advantages in points in the paint and fast-break points, scoring 34 and 12 respectively, compared with Lagos’ 26 and six.
Patrick Abah led the Fliers with 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and five steals, while Keita Mohammed contributed 19 points, six rebounds and three steals.
For Lagos Raptors, Dennis Victor scored 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and four steals, while Bello Boluwatife recorded a double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds.
Maktown shot 35.1 per cent from the field, compared with 27.6 per cent for Lagos, as the Fliers’ strong finish secured their victory in the Final 8 playoffs.