In an exhilarating display of basketball prowess, the Equity Hawks secured their spot in the quarterfinals of the Africa Women’s Basketball League (AWBL) with a thrilling victory over Cameroon’s Overdose Up Station. The match ended on a high with a score of 76-73, clinching third place in Group B for the Hawks.
Judith Pantaleo, the 21-year-old sensation who had remained under the radar in the initial games, stepped up when it mattered the most. She delivered an outstanding performance with 24 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Pantaleo’s efforts were pivotal, culminating in a buzzer-beater that sealed the win for the Hawks.
The game started with Pantaleo’s dominance in the paint, contributing to a 6-point run that gave the Equity a lead they worked to maintain. Contributions from Grace Malu and Melissa with free throws and layups kept the scoreboard ticking. However, Overdose was relentless, keeping the margin close and ending the first period just two points behind.
Equity’s Betty Kananu and Pantaleo shone in the second quarter, extending the lead with precision three-pointers. Overdose’s Raissa Mogoun led a comeback that narrowed the gap to three points at halftime.
The final quarter was intense as Overdose fought back, but Pantaleo continued to shine, her crucial three-pointer in the dying seconds ensured the Hawks’ victory. This win highlights her emergence as a key player for the Hawks, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure.
Looking ahead, the Hawks are set to face the loser between Kenya Ports Authority and Alexandria Sporting Club in the quarterfinals. A potential Kenyan derby with KPA is on the cards, a matchup that promises to be a fierce contest with both teams vying for a place in the Final Four.
