UCC Wildcats triumph in FASU 3x3 Basketball Challenge, set to represent Africa
The UCC Wildcats, the formidable men's basketball team of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), emerged victorious in the thrilling final of the fifth Federation of African University Sport (FASU) 3x3 Basketball Challenge held today at the University of Johannesburg's Soweto Campus.
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With their 21-12 triumph over Kenya's United States International University in the final, the UCC Wildcats have earned the honour of representing Africa at this year's FISU University World Cup 3x3 Basketball.
Throughout the playoffs, the UCC Wildcats astounded spectators with their relentless work rate and displayed an impressive blend of speed and athleticism. Leading the charge for the team was James Amotoe, a standout performer from the Spintex Knights in the ongoing Accra Basketball League. Other Wildcats players who were similarly impressive during the tournament are Francis Dake, Frederick Asante and Bawa Godfred.
Sealed @JahMot1 👑🇬🇭🏀
We are WILDCATS#WeBelieve #FASU3x3 pic.twitter.com/7ke70OoyVo— UCC WILDCATS BASKETBALL (@UccWildcats) June 24, 2023
In their remarkable journey to the final, the Wildcats showcased their dominance on the court. They secured victories over formidable opponents, including a hard-fought 21-17 win against the University of Johannesburg team in the semi-finals. Additionally, they triumphed over the University of Ghana with a scoreline of 21-11 and overcame the University of Zambia with a convincing 21-14 victory.
The FASU 3x3 Basketball Challenge witnessed the participation of several esteemed universities from across the continent.
Notable contenders included Mulungushi University from Zambia, University of Ibadan from Nigeria, Ndejje University from Uganda, the American University in Cairo from Egypt, BOTESSA from Botswana, Kotebe University of Education from Ethiopia, University of Mauritius, and the North West University (NWU) Vaal Campus.
The 3x3 basketball format, gaining popularity worldwide, is an exciting variation of the traditional game. It features teams consisting of three players per side, competing on a half-court.
The fast-paced nature of the game, with a shot clock of 12 seconds and continuous action, demands exceptional teamwork, skill, and agility. With fewer players on the court and a smaller playing area, 3x3 basketball intensifies the strategic aspect of the sport and emphasizes quick decision-making with the first to 21 points being declared winner of a game.
The UCC Wildcats' triumph in the FASU 3x3 Basketball Challenge not only highlights their exceptional abilities but also signifies the growing prominence of this dynamic basketball format in Africa.
As they prepare to represent the continent at the FISU University World Cup 3x3 Basketball, the Wildcats aim to make their mark on the international stage and continue their impressive run in the world of 3x3 basketball.
Speaking to GraphicOnline before the final, the leader of the UCC delegation, Dr. Eric Opoku-Antwi was confident of victory given their flawless start.
He was also looking forward to the Wildcats making a huge splash at the World University Games.
