Author: Victoria Kwofie
Undefeated defending champions Spintex Knights opened their Accra Basketball League Playoffs campaign dominantly, dismantling the University of Ghana (UG) 70–41 at the El-Wak Sports Stadium on Friday, October 24, 2025, just days after sealing qualification to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elite 16 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
After a tough start to their BAL qualifiers where they lost their opening game, the Knights bounced back strongly with two consecutive victories to secure a ticket to the Elite 16 stage. Returning home, they faced a determined UG side hungry to make a statement, a clash that drew a buzzing crowd of basketball lovers to El-Wak.
On the court, the Knights started with Captain Elvis Pobi Siaw, Deputy Captain Omari Benjamin, Bassey Effiong, Oumar Abakah, and Asante Frederick. The champions wasted no time asserting dominance, finishing the first quarter 26–12 and maintaining control to end the first half 41–23.
After the break, the Knights continued to “school” the UG boys, widening the gap to 55–31 by the third quarter and eventually wrapping up a comfortable 70–41 victory a commanding 29-point difference that sent a clear message to their playoff rivals.
Asante Frederick, who led the scoring with 17 points, 3 steals, and 4 three-pointers, was named Player of the Game, presented by Gametime Management. His energy and precision gave the Knights the spark they needed to maintain control throughout the encounter.
Head Coach Salorm Thomas praised his team’s composure and adjustment after returning from continental duty; “We want to take it slowly. You know, we just came back from the road to BAL, so it’s not just to get warmed up for the playoffs. I think I like how we adjusted to the atmosphere and everything. It’s good to be back home.”
When asked about facing the University of Ghana, he added; “I mean, this whole season, they’ve been the only team that has posed any threat to us. So we came out here and decided that they’ve always posed a threat. We have to be better against them today. And I’m happy that today we were way better than we were in the regular season.”
Spectator Annie Trony shared her excitement: “I’ve followed the Spintex Knights page on social media, and I came to watch only two people from the team, Treasure and Elvis but unfortunately, I didn’t see Treasure play. I saw Elvis, and I am glad that they won the game. I’ll make sure to be here next time and watch them again.”
Another fan, Blaze Etornam, praised both the game and the atmosphere; “I really enjoyed the game today from the women’s game to the Knights game. I loved the atmosphere, and I will entreat people to come watch the game with their family and also support Spintex Knights. Kudos to the organisers.”
With this emphatic win, the Spintex Knights reminded everyone why they remain Ghana’s team to beat. From Abidjan to El-Wak, their focus remains the same, to rise higher, play harder, and defend their crown with pride and purpose.
