Kaduna U17 basketball team on Friday defeated Kebbi U17 basketball side in the first semifinal of the Noah Dallaji Legacy U17 Basketball Tournament to set up an intriguing final with Kano.

Kaduna dominated from tip off, winning the first three quarters on their way to a 70-62 victory. Kebbi who had on Thursday handed a shock defeat to Bauchi were valiant in competition but ultimately crumbled under the superior quality and firepower of Kaduna.

Plateau U17 Basketball team fell to hosts Kano two days after beating them in the last group game. A determined Kano took a sweet revenge in the quarterfinal, winning the first quarter by five points, (21-16) before the second and then rebounding to take the third and fourth quarters. Kano posted (16-11), (13-18) and (24-22) in the second, third and fourth quarters against Plateau.

Kaduna state coach, Simsim Morrison said their eyes are set on winning the trophy on Sunday when they file out against Kano.

“We take each game as they come.” Simsim said.

“We are ready for Kano, the same way we won our games to be in the final is the way we will shock Kano. It’s not going to be an easy game but I know my boys are up to the task.”

Reacting to his side’s victory against Plateau, coach of Kano U17’s said his boys can not afford to disappoint their teeming fans in the Sunday final adding that the only way to pay them back is to win the title.

“We remained focused even after defeating Plateau who defeated us two days ago. It was not easy to them but we need to go and re-strategise to be able to turn the table against them. Our fans have been a great asset to us, supporting and encouraging us this far.

“The only way to pay the fans back is to beat Kaduna and win the trophy on Sunday.”

Earlier on Friday, Bauchi won the quarter finals losers game against Gombe while Kwara also beat Niger (51-34).