Rivers Hoopers defeated Cape Town Tigers 80-57 for third place.
Kelvin Amayo and Devine Eke scored 45 combined points.
Coach Ogoh Odaudu named 2024 BAL Coach of the Year.
Cape Town Tigers struggled without top scorers, ending 2-6.
Commanding Victory Over Cape Town Tigers
The Rivers Hoopers, Nigeria’s premier basketball team, showcased their dominance by outplaying the Cape Town Tigers with an emphatic 80-57 victory at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. This win secured them the third spot in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) season 4 standings, capping off a season marked by resilience and strategic prowess.
Season Highlights and Team Dynamics
From the first jump ball, the Rivers Hoopers asserted their dominance. Their aggressive playstyle and tactical superiority were evident as they surged to a lead that peaked at 28 points. This final triumph brought their season record to a commendable 6-4.
The game was particularly notable for the outstanding performance of Kelvin Amayo and Devine Eke, who collectively scored 45 points. Their contributions were pivotal in sealing the victory and showcased the depth of talent within the Hoopers’ roster. This win was a fitting conclusion to their season, mirroring the success they exhibited in their opening game.
Coaching Excellence: Ogoh Odaudu
Adding to the Hoopers’ accolades, head coach Ogoh Odaudu was honored with the 2024 BAL Coach of the Year award. Odaudu’s strategic insights and ability to inspire his team were instrumental in their successful season. His leadership was a cornerstone of the team’s performance, translating his vision into tangible results on the court.
Reflecting on the season, Odaudu had confidently stated before the Sahara Conference that the team was ready to make significant strides. His prediction proved accurate as the Hoopers moved beyond merely participating to actively contending and achieving notable victories.
Struggles for Cape Town Tigers
In stark contrast, the Cape Town Tigers struggled throughout the game and the season. Missing their top scorers, Carter Diarra and Samkelo Cele, due to injuries, the Tigers were unable to mount an effective offense or defense. They ended their BAL campaign with a disappointing 2-6 record.
The absence of key players was keenly felt as the Tigers committed 20 turnovers and only managed 6 assists. Their shooting woes further compounded their problems, making just 5 of 32 attempts from beyond the arc. Free throw inconsistencies also plagued the team, with a 50% conversion rate highlighting their struggles under pressure.
Despite these challenges, Dhieu Deng and Ngor Manyang provided some solace, scoring 17 and 14 points respectively. However, their efforts were insufficient to turn the tide for a team that looked far from the giant-killers who had previously knocked out top-seeded FUS Rabat in the quarter-finals.
Looking Ahead
For the Rivers Hoopers, this season’s achievements mark a significant step forward. The team has evolved from being mere participants to strong contenders in the BAL. Their performance has set a new benchmark for Nigerian basketball, promising a brighter future and greater visibility for the sport in the region.
Coach Odaudu’s vision of making Nigeria a competitive force in African basketball has started to materialize. The Hoopers’ success serves as an inspiration for other Nigerian teams, signaling that with the right mix of talent, strategy, and leadership, substantial progress is achievable.
Meanwhile, the Cape Town Tigers will need to regroup and address the gaps in their roster and strategy. The potential shown in their quarter-final upset indicates that with full-strength and refined tactics, they could be formidable contenders in future seasons.
Key Performances during the Match
Kelvin Amayo: Key player for Rivers Hoopers, contributed significantly with a total of 23 points.
Devine Eke: Dominated alongside Amayo, adding 22 points to Rivers Hoopers’ impressive victory.
Dhieu Deng: Top performer for Cape Town Tigers, scored 17 points despite the team’s struggles.
Ngor Manyang: Provided solid support for the Tigers with 14 points, second-highest on his team.
Team Turnovers: Cape Town Tigers faced difficulties, committing 20 turnovers, highlighting their performance issues.
