₦2 Million Up for Grabs in CDS Unity Basketball Final

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The stage is set for a pulsating finale at the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Southwest Unity Basketball Championship, as Lagos giants Hoops & Reads and Police Baton prepare to battle for glory and a ₦2 million top prize on Sunday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Both teams booked their places in the championship decider after surviving intense semifinal duels on Saturday, showcasing grit, precision, and tactical depth that underscored the growing competitiveness of the regional tournament.

Hoops & Reads were in imperious form in the first semifinal, dispatching Delta Force 63–46 in a one-sided contest that underlined their championship pedigree. From tip-off, the Lagos-based outfit dictated the tempo, closing the opening quarter with a 21–10 advantage that set the tone for the rest of the game.

Their offensive rhythm continued in the second quarter with a 15–9 surge, as Delta Force struggled to cope with Hoops & Reads’ fluid passing and defensive pressure. Though Delta Force rallied late, outscoring their opponents 21–16 in the final quarter, the damage had already been done.

The victory sealed a deserved spot in the final for Hoops & Reads, who will be aiming to cap off their fine run with the ultimate reward on Sunday.

In contrast, the second semifinal proved a nail-biting affair as Police Baton battled past Oluyole Warriors 64–60 in a game that went down to the wire. Police Baton started with intent, narrowly edging the first quarter 17–16 before producing a commanding second-quarter performance (14–3) that gave them a crucial cushion at halftime.

However, the Warriors roared back into contention in the third quarter with a 24–17 rally, capitalizing on turnovers and quick transitions. The final quarter was a tense exchange of baskets, with Oluyole outscoring Police Baton 17–16 but ultimately falling just short of a comeback.

With the semifinal dust settled, Delta Force and Oluyole Warriors will meet in the third-place playoff at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, while the championship showdown between Hoops & Reads and Police Baton is slated for 3:00 p.m.

The winners of the grand finale will walk away with ₦2 million, while the runners-up will receive ₦1.5 million. The third-place finisher will pocket ₦1 million, rounding off a rewarding edition of the prestigious regional competition.

As anticipation builds ahead of the final whistle, basketball fans in Lagos are bracing for a clash of styles — Hoops & Reads’ speed and structure against Police Baton’s physical intensity and experience — in what promises to be a fitting climax to the 2025 CDS Southwest Unity Basketball Championship.