BOITUMELO RANTAO
THE Basketball Africa League (BAL) produced a stellar day as Tunisian team US Monastir built off their dominant opening win with a methodical performance against Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers in the Kigali Arena in Rwanda.
Monastir matched up against a Rivers Hoopers team hungry to claim the first Basketball Africa League (BAL) win. The undefeated Monastir, courtesy of a showstopping performance by Radhouane Slimane, ran out to a 22-7 lead over the Hoopers and showed no signs of slowing down throughout the contest.
The Nigerian team soon found themselves in trouble down 49-22 at halftime and struggling from beyond the arc, connecting 3 of their 16 three-point attempts. Rivers Hoopers were spurred on by Center Chris Daniels who recorded 25 points and 11 rebounds. Benjamin Uzoh also recorded 20 points with 8 assists in 30 minutes.
Rivers Hoopers played strong, and outrebounded Monastir on the glass, but were no match for their composure down the stretch. Monastir played a clinical game throughout the four quarters, not once surrendering the lead. Monastir continued their climb to the peak of Africa with a 99-70 victory over the Hoopers.
AS Police and AS Sale closed out Day 5 with an impressive win for AS Sale. AS Police shot out the cannon in the first quarter, working hard on the glass and running the floor quickly, eventually leading 18-9.
Ibrahima Thomas brought the energy for the Policemen as they led the game late in the third quarter. AS Sale refused to back away, subtly chipping away at AS Police’s lead with Rashad James producing consistent offense.
AS Sale turned up the heat late in the third searching for the win with a gritty full-court press. AS Police looked resilient in the attempt to protect their maiden victory until Terrell de Von Stoglin erupted. AS Sale smoothly stepped past with Von Stoglin guard scored the highest points total in the BAL with 40 points at the final whistle. AS Sale would take home the 88-79 win at the conclusion of the day.
Jawachi Joseph Nzeako lifted the team brightly following 16 points against Petro de Luanda with a mammoth 33 points and 12 rebounds. Mylo Mitchell of AS Police chipped in 10 points, 9 assists, and 4 rebounds.
