Mohammed comes up big as First Bank avoid FAP scare to reach Semi-Finals

MAPUTO (FIBA Africa Women's Champions Cup 2018) - Big games call for experience and character and this particular one Aisha Mohammed stood out for the 'Elephant Girls' as they overcame a stubborn FAP side 69-66 to book a place in the Semi-Finals set for Saturday at Maxaquene Stadium.

Mohammed sunk an impressive 23 points and picked seven rebounds to come to the rescue of 'the Elephant Girls' who toiled tooth and nail to win the game in the last 20 seconds after FAP dependable point guard Alexandra Green missed twice on the charity line and her side failed to utilize the ball possession thereafter.

“"EXPERIENCE REALLY CAME IN HANDY FOR US BECAUSE THOSE GIRLS REALLY PLAYED WELL. THEY WERE AGGRESSIVE AND WE KIND OF UNDERRATED THEM BECAUSE THE WAY WE STARTED WAS VERY SLOW AND WITH ZONE DEFENSE AND THAT SLOWED US DOWN AND GAVE THEM THE ADVANTAGE." ”- Mohammed

Nkem Akaraiwe and Ginette Mfutila added 15 and 13 points in that order to make up for another top scorer in Jasmine Nwajei who was limited to just six points on the day.

Mohammed admitted that indeed complacency almost cost them the game but the experience earned over the years helped them stay within reasonable distance and eventually they emerged victorious.

"Experience really came in handy for us because those girls really played well. They were aggressive and we kind of underrated them because the way we started was very slow and with zone defense and that slowed us down and gave them the advantage," she elaborate

"We learnt from this game because tomorrow against Ferroviario de Maputo, we have a tough game. They are a much better side that is disciplined too."

Mohammed, who won the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017 with Nigeria, played at the FIBA Women's World Cup in Spain qualifying her side to the Quarter-Finals for the very first time for an African side and now is eyeing club success with First Bank.

FIBA