Rivers Hoopers delivered a statement performance at the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Sahara Conference, clinching their largest-ever win in the tournament’s history with a dominant 84-63 victory over Tunisian giants US Monastir.
The Nigerian side stunned fans at the Dakar Arena, putting on a clinical display that not only sealed their second win of the conference but also sent a clear message of intent to the rest of the competition.
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The night belonged to Kelvin Amayo, who orchestrated the game with poise and power. The guard was in scintillating form, finishing with 30 points, 9 assists, and 1 rebound—a near double-double performance that highlighted his leadership and efficiency on both ends of the court.
Amayo’s explosive offensive output, coupled with Rivers Hoopers’ collective defensive discipline, saw the Nigerian team pull away in the second half. Their ball movement, perimeter shooting, and transition game were simply too much for the 2022 BAL champions, US Monastir, who struggled to keep up.
“This is a big win for us, not just because of the margin, but because of what it means for our confidence moving forward,” said Amayo after the game. “We’re building chemistry, and tonight showed what we’re capable of when we play together.”
The 21-point margin marks Rivers Hoopers’ biggest win ever at the BAL, a significant milestone for the team as they continue to evolve into genuine title contenders. Their strong showing in Dakar also boosts their chances of progressing to the playoffs.
With this victory, Rivers Hoopers have added a historic chapter to their BAL journey, while Amayo’s masterclass will be remembered as one of the standout individual performances of the 2024 Sahara Conference.
Up next, the Nigerian champions will look to maintain momentum as they eye a deep run in the playoffs. If this performance is any indication, the rest of the league has been put on notice.