Last night at the BAL, Rivers Hoopers claimed a resounding 80-57 victory over Cape Town Tigers to secure 3rd place in the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL). The Nigerian champions, led by their head coach Ogoh Odaudu, showcased their dominance from tip-off, eventually leading by as many as 28 points, ending their BAL season with an impressive 6-4 record.
The game saw Rivers Hoopers’ point guard, Will Perry, and forward, Devin Eke, shining brightly on the court. Perry’s hot hand and Eke’s strategic plays contributed significantly to their team’s commanding lead throughout the match. Additionally, Kelvin Amayo’s game-high 25 points, along with strong performances from other players, propelled Rivers Hoopers to a well-deserved victory.
Despite a valiant effort from Dhieu Deing and the Cape Town Tigers, who attempted to stage a comeback, Rivers Hoopers’ formidable defense and efficient shooting from behind the arc proved too much to overcome. Tigers’ offensive struggles, compounded by the absence of key players Samkelo Cele and Carter Diarra due to injuries, ultimately led to their defeat.
The match also featured a halftime performance by Rwandan artist Ariel Wayz, who electrified the crowd with her chart-topping hits.
Rivers Hoopers concluded their BAL campaign on a high note, with their exceptional performance earning Coach Ogoh Odaudu the prestigious 2024 BAL Coach of the Year award. As they celebrate their well-deserved triumph, basketball enthusiasts eagerly await the upcoming BAL Final on Saturday, June 1st, where Al Ahly Ly will go head-to-head against Petro de Luanda in a highly anticipated showdown.
