Islington Panthers face a derby clash in the Community Basketball League play-off final this weekend after edging out Brent Ballers in a gripping encounter.
The Panthers, who squeezed past the Brent side 49-45 in their semi-final at Crystal Palace, will be up against Haringey Hawks in the final, which takes place at the Copper Box Arena on Sunday.
Chiem Eluwa produced an excellent attacking display against the Ballers, helping to ensure his side held a razor-thin 21-20 lead going into the half.
Both teams raised the tempo during the final quarter, with a back-to-back series of players hitting threes, but the Panthers held on to clinch a place in the final.
Eluwa, who was named as his side’s MVP, said: “Winning the semi-finals feels like a great reward for all our hard work. Haringey Hawks are good competition but, after beating them twice in the regular season, we’re confident we can beat them again.”
For further information about the league, which is run by the London School of Basketball in partnership with Reach and Teach, contact lwilliams@reachandteach.co.uk
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