One of the biggest rivalries in the Accra Basketball League lived up to expectations as idefending champions Knights held off a determined Coldstore side 73-68 at the El-Wak Sports Stadium.
The packed basketball arena was buzzing with excitement as executives from the Ghana Basketball, Accra Basketball League officials, club owners, players, and passionate basketball fans filled the venue to witness another chapter of the fierce rivalry.
Coldstore made the brighter start, racing into a 9-2 lead in the opening minutes of the first quarter. The early setback forced Knights head coach Selorm Thomas to make wholesale changes to his starting lineup, a decision that immediately paid dividends. The defending champions rallied to overturn the deficit and claimed the first quarter 20-17.
The intensity remained high in the second quarter as Knights maintained their momentum while Coldstore fought hard to stay within touching distance. At halftime, Knights held a slender 33-32 advantage.
Coldstore returned from the break with renewed energy and determination, winning the third quarter 50-49 to set up a thrilling final period. With both teams battling not only for victory but also for local bragging rights, the contest went down to the wire.
Coldstore were eager to hand Knights their first defeat of the season, but the defending champions tightened their defence, forced crucial turnovers, and capitalised on fast-break opportunities to seal a hard-fought 73-68 victory, completing the first round unbeaten.
Coldstore head coach Kissmeth Ashidam admitted his side needed to improve despite pushing the champions all the way. “There are a few technicalities that we have to work on, especially our inside game. We’ll go back to the lab, put things together and come back stronger. It’s perfect because this is the biggest rivalry in basketball in the whole country. Whenever these two teams meet, it’s always fun to watch. One team has to win, and unfortunately it wasn’t us today. We’ll work on a few things, meet again in the second round, and then we’ll see the outcome.”
Knights head coach Selorm Thomas praised his players for remaining composed under pressure and credited their defensive discipline for the victory. “It was a difficult game against Coldstore. I don’t know why, but every time they play us, it’s like it’s their World Cup. When they meet the other teams, it’s like they soften it up a little bit. But whenever they meet us, they bring their A game. I’m happy my guys kept their composure and came away with the win.” “Everybody knows basketball is a game of runs. It’s about who responds better. When they had their run, we stayed disciplined and did what we were supposed to do. During that stretch, we turned up our defence, played disciplined basketball, and it translated into fast-break points. Some of the guys also made some tough shots, and that’s who my players are. They show up when they need to show up.”
The victory keeps Knights’ unbeaten run intact heading into the second round, while Coldstore will be aiming for revenge when the two rivals meet again later in the season.
By; Victoria Kwofie
