The Cestos Mongars have secured their place in the grand final of the 2024 National Basketball First Division Championship after defeating the National Port Authority (NPA) Pythons in their back-to-back playoff matches.
NPA Pythons were unable to smell a single victory in their parings with Cestos Mongars during the playoffs despite their thirst and strives to join gain recognition from the LBA top league.
Cestos Mongars were however determined to have a change in the history of their institution by getting themselves fearless against their opponents throughout the season be it a winning day or not for them.
The first playoff match was held between Mongos and Pythons on last Sunday, August 18, 2024, which ended with a close 72-68 victory for the Mongars.
This place Cestos Mongars at the advantage before they could meet to complete their task the following Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
Engaging the second playoff match with a hope to have converted the deficit, the Pythons started with an aggressive showdown approach in the first and second quarters but did not maintain the pace in the last two quarters.
Cestos Mongors overcame a 20-points gap to force overtime, ultimately winning 84-79.
With these victories, the Cestos Mongars have not only earned their spot in the grand final but have also secured a place in the upcoming Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) Clubs Championship.
The final match of the National Basketball Championship will see the Mongars facing the winner of the last playoff match which was postponed from an initial planed date as a result of technical officiation.
It was reported that both Mighty Barrolle and the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC) Oiler who were to face off against each other last Tuesday evening wore red jerseys for their match making it impossible to have the game played.
The match was rescheduled to take place at the basketball Gymnasium of the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in the city of Paynesville on Wednesday, August 21, during late evening hours.
Mighty Barrolle who are the current defending champions displayed their dominance in their first playoff match against LPRC Oilers on Sunday, moving one step closer to the final.
They are up in the need of another win to secure their place in the grand final that will allow them to face Cestos Mongars that has already qualified.
If Barrolle succeed, both Barrolle and the Mongars will represent Liberia in the FIBA next Clubs Championship.
