Spintex Knights clinched a dramatic victory over Nungua Cold Store in what is being touted as the match of the season in the Accra Basketball League (ABL), held at the El-Wak Sports Stadium on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
The game ended 75-75 in regulation time and spilled into overtime, where Spintex Knights were awarded a default win after Cold Store could not continue due to multiple player ejections and injuries.
⚔️ A Rivalry That Delivered
The encounter was intense from the start, showcasing the long-standing rivalry between two of Ghana’s top basketball teams. Spintex Knights, who currently lead the league table, raced to a 16-point lead in the first quarter while both sides rested key players.
However, Cold Store fought back, finding rhythm in the second quarter with a flurry of 2 and 3-pointers, reducing the gap to 34-39 at halftime. Meanwhile, the Knights strategically capitalized on fouls to earn consistent free throws.
😡 Tensions, Ejections, and Drama
Tempers flared in the third quarter as a scuffle broke out during a tussle for possession. This led to the ejection of five bench players from Cold Store and one player from Knights, highlighting the tension that simmered throughout.
Despite the setback, Cold Store managed to draw level at 42-42, but the Knights finished the third quarter with a narrow 55-51 lead thanks to their superior discipline and international experience from competitions like FIBA.
🔥 Fourth Quarter Fireworks
The fourth quarter lived up to expectations with dunks, dribbles, and high-octane action. Cold Store took the lead for the first time at 69-66, showing great resilience despite having a depleted bench. However, fouls continued to hurt them as Spintex took advantage, eventually regaining the lead.
With just 20 seconds remaining, Cold Store pulled off a spectacular slam dunk to tie the game 75-75, sending the crowd into a frenzy and the match into overtime.
🛑 Cold Store Default, Knights Win
The overtime was short-lived. Cold Store lost two more players due to fouls, and another player got injured, leaving them unable to continue. As a result, Spintex Knights were awarded a default win in a game that many fans and analysts are calling one of the most memorable in ABL history.
🏀 Other Results – Week 8
Renegades defeated Guerillas 74-60 in the Division Two League.
In the Women’s League, Army Ladies cruised past Aces with a 47-33 win.
As the Accra Basketball League continues to heat up week after week, Week 9 matches will run from Wednesday through Saturday, May 24, 2025.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
