BAL: Rivers Hoopers suffer loss to Al Ittihad in 3rd game of Kalahari Conference

Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers faced a tough setback in their third game of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season 5 Kalahari Conference.

The Nigerian team fell 100-80 to Egypt’s Al Ittihad at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sporting Complex.

The defeat marked the first loss for the Hoopers in the conference, ending their unbeaten streak and leaving Al Ittihad as the only team yet to taste defeat in the Kalahari Conference.

Coming into the game, both teams had secured victories in their opening two matches against Stade Malien and hosts FUS Rabat, with Rivers Hoopers leading the conference on points difference.

The Nigerian side, nicknamed “The Kings Men,” had been in fine form, building on their historic third-place finish in the previous BAL season—the best-ever for a Nigerian team.

Under the guidance of head coach Ogoh Odaudu, the 2024 BAL Coach of the Year, the Hoopers showcased their depth and talent in earlier games, with standout performances from players like Raphiael Putney, Madut Akec, and Kelvin Amayo.

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The game started competitively, with Rivers Hoopers taking an early lead. Putney and Peter Olisemeka were in superb form, helping their team go up 17-14 and then 19-16 in the first quarter.

However, Al Ittihad responded with fresh legs, taking a 21-19 lead before Ike David Ugonna leveled the score for the Hoopers. By the end of the first quarter, Al Ittihad edged ahead 25-23, setting the tone for a hard-fought battle.

Al Ittihad’s offensive prowess came to the fore as the game progressed, led by Kyle Vinales, who delivered a game-high 26 points, including six three-pointers. George King also contributed significantly with 23 points, making it Ittihad’s most polished offensive performance of the tournament so far.

Despite a valiant effort from the Hoopers, Al Ittihad’s relentless scoring and defensive adjustments proved too much.

The Egyptian side pulled away in the subsequent quarters, ultimately securing a commanding 20-point victory.