Petro de Luanda reaches BAL semifinals for fourth time.
Nicholas Faust’s clutch plays secured a dramatic comeback win.
AS Douanes led by 20 but faltered late.
Petro’s bench outscored AS Douanes’ reserves significantly.
Petro de Luanda’s Historic Semifinal Streak
Petro de Luanda solidified their place in Basketball Africa League (BAL) history on Monday, becoming the first team to qualify for the semifinals in all four seasons since the league’s inception. The Angolan champions achieved this milestone with a dramatic comeback against AS Douanes, demonstrating resilience and tenacity that left fans and analysts in awe.
The Turning Point: Nicholas Faust’s Heroics
With just 38.4 seconds remaining on the shot clock and Petro de Luanda trailing, Nicholas Faust emerged as the game-changer. Faust, the team’s newest addition, drained a crucial three-pointer to tie the game at 64-64, a shot that shifted the momentum entirely. This clutch performance was just the beginning of his game-defining moments.
AS Douanes’ Brief Lead and Final Heartbreak
AS Douanes had a fleeting hope when guard Jean Jacques Boissy managed to eke out a one-point lead (65-64) after making one of two free throws with only 22 seconds left. However, Faust wasn’t done yet. With just 8 seconds on the clock, his decisive lay-up clinched a 66-65 victory for Petro de Luanda, completing one of the most remarkable comebacks in BAL history.
The Dramatic Third Quarter
AS Douanes dominated the third quarter, turning a halftime deficit into a commanding lead. At one point, they were ahead by 20 points (62-42). Despite this overwhelming advantage, they couldn’t close out the game. Petro de Luanda’s relentless effort in the final quarter, driven by Faust’s heroics and a series of aggressive plays, erased this lead and dashed AS Douanes’ hopes of a back-to-back semifinals appearance.
Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
AS Douanes’ downfall in the final quarter can be attributed to their inability to maintain composure under pressure. Mamadou Gueye’s team committed nine turnovers and missed three crucial free throws in the last ten minutes. These errors proved costly, as Petro de Luanda capitalized on every opportunity to mount their comeback.
Reflections from the Court
Reflecting on the game, Petro de Luanda forward Markeith Cummings, who scored 9 points, encapsulated the team’s mindset: “It was either all or nothing. We were down 20; what did we have to lose? We played more aggressively defensively, and that’s how we won the game.” Cummings’ words highlighted the team’s determination and belief, which fueled their turnaround.
Bench Depth and Team Effort
One of the critical factors in Petro de Luanda’s victory was the performance of their bench players. While the starters struggled, the bench stepped up significantly, outscoring AS Douanes’ reserves 31-4. Nicholas Faust, who played the pivotal role, was the only Petro de Luanda player to score in double figures, finishing with a team-high 13 points.
AS Douanes’ Star Performances
Despite the loss, AS Douanes had standout performances. Boissy led all scorers with 28 points, and Abdoulaye Harouna added 15. However, their efforts were not enough to secure the win. Mike Fofana, who played the entire game and scored 11 points, reflected on the loss, admitting, “Maybe we were playing not to lose instead of playing to win. We were a little stagnant. They made more plays than we did; that’s how we lost it.”
With their dramatic victory, Petro de Luanda now prepares to face Cape Town Tigers in the semifinals on Wednesday, May 29. Meanwhile, AS Douanes will return home with a 4-4 record for the season, left to reflect on what could have been.
Key Performances
Nicholas Faust: Scored a team-high 13 points, including a crucial three-pointer and game-winning lay-up.
Jean Jacques Boissy: Led all scorers with 28 points, briefly giving AS Douanes a late lead.
Markeith Cummings: Contributed 9 points and emphasized the team’s aggressive defense in the comeback.
Abdoulaye Harouna: Added 15 points for AS Douanes, supporting Boissy’s scoring efforts but falling short.
Petro de Luanda’s Bench: Outscored AS Douanes’ bench 31-4, providing critical support in the comeback
