1 week Ago By Guardian Nigeria
Rivers Hoopers’ bid to win the ongoing Basketball Africa League (BAL) will get a stiff test today when the Kingsmen take on Egypt’s Al-Ittihad in their third game of the competition. The Nigerian champions continued their perfect start to the 2025 BAL Kalahari Conference on Sunday with a hard-fought 88–82 win over Moroccan champions, FUS de Rabat, improving to 2–0 in the tournament. In a game marked by momentum swings and high-intensity action, Rivers Hoopers leaned on rebounding dominance and perimeter precision to seal the result.
Madut Akec led all scorers with 25 points, connecting on four of eight from deep, while Kelvin Amayo followed closely with 23 points and a commanding floor presence throughout the night. Despite a poor outing from the free-throw line (11-of-27, 41 per cent), Rivers Hoopers shot an efficient 49 per cent from the field and 45 per cent from three-point range. Their 43–38 edge on the boards and 23 second-chance points proved crucial, especially in the closing minutes.
Peter Olisemeka controlled the paint with 12 rebounds and nine points, while Raphael Putney and Shamba Maxi Munanga provided timely buckets and hustle plays on both ends. FUS de Rabat fought valiantly, with Nisre Zouzoua hitting five triples en route to 23 points. Veteran Abdelhakim Zouita chipped in 13, and Jonathan Devante Jordan tallied a double-double (12 points, 11 assists) but struggled with shooting consistency.
Rivers Hoopers led by as many as 14 points, and despite late pressure from FUS, held their composure to close out another statement win. After observing a one-day break, the KingsMen will be back on the court today to play Al-Ittihad of Egypt. Egypt’s Al Ittihad defeated Mali’s Stade Malien 72-69 on Sunday and with two straight wins, both Hoopers and Ittihad lead the conference, while Malien and Rabat are still looking for their first win in the competition.
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