2018 UPAC Reflections: GTUC score zero wins in debut campaign

The 2018 Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges (UPAC) Basketball Championship has ended with University of Ghana (UG) clinching a third title by beating Accra Technical University (ATU) 41-36. While UG celebrates a record setting third straight title in Ghana’s most celebrated tertiary basketball competition, Ghana Technology University College (GTUC) should reflect on a winless run in the elite stage of the tournament.

Making its debut in the knockout phase following a shock win over last year’s silver medalist Marshalls University College, much was expected of the Accra-based institution to continue its wonderful streak.

However, the streak was short lived as GTUC in the tougher of two groups at the quarterfinal stage; the team was drawn against home side and defending champions UG.

Aside UG, 2016 fourth placed side Takoradi Technical University (TTU) and 2015 silver medalist Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) were in the group.

Overwhelmed by the depth of opposing team rosters and lacking the experience to compete at this level, GTUC lost 29-49 to UG, 32-47 to KNUST and 31-51 to TTU to exit the competition.

With a fair number of players returning next year coupled with consistent improvement over the years could see GTUC make a statement going forward.