Hoopers Conclude BAL Kalahari Conference with Strong Performance

Rivers Hoopers concluded their 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Kalahari Conference campaign on a high note, dominating Stade Malien with a resounding 79-59 victory in Rabat, Morocco. This win, their fourth in six games, secured them the second spot in the conference standings and a coveted ticket to the BAL Playoffs scheduled for June in Pretoria, South Africa. The Hoopers’ performance against Stade Malien was particularly noteworthy for the impressive contribution of their bench players, who seized the opportunity afforded by resting key starters. This depth proved crucial in propelling them to their most comfortable win of the tournament, underscoring the team’s growing cohesion and potential for a deep playoff run.

A key element of the Hoopers’ success against Stade Malien was the outstanding performance of their reserve players. Having tallied a mere 32 points collectively across the previous four games, the bench erupted for 33 points against the Malian side, accounting for over 40% of the team’s total output. This surge in production highlighted the team’s depth and provided valuable experience for players like Abel Offia, Micheal Afuwape, Onyebuchi Nwaiwu, and Ifeanyi Koko Jr. Each player made significant contributions, ranging from Offia’s perfect free-throw shooting to Afuwape’s playmaking and Nwaiwu’s rebounding prowess. Koko Jr. also added valuable outside shooting, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the Hoopers’ bench.

The victory over Stade Malien was particularly significant as it marked the Hoopers’ second triumph against the Malian team in the group stage, having previously defeated them 81-60 in the opening game. The 20-point margin of victory served as a testament to the growing synergy within the team under the guidance of coach Ogoh Odaudu. Despite suffering two losses against the undefeated Al Ittihad, the Hoopers demonstrated resilience by bouncing back with consecutive wins against FUS Rabat and then Stade Malien. Their overall point differential of +18 across the six games, second only to Al Ittihad, further solidified their position as one of the conference’s top contenders.

The Hoopers’ overall success in the Kalahari Conference was largely built on the consistent performances of their key players. Madut Akec emerged as a standout performer, averaging 17.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and an impressive 56.7% from three-point range. Chris Putney provided a strong complementary scoring option with 13.5 points per game, alongside 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, showcasing his impact on both ends of the court. Peter Olisemeka anchored the team’s interior defense and rebounding, averaging a team-high 11 rebounds per game. The balanced scoring and strong rebounding provided a solid foundation for the Hoopers’ success.

The focus now shifts to the BAL Playoffs, scheduled to take place from June 6th to 14th in Pretoria, South Africa, marking the first time the BAL postseason will be held in the country. The Hoopers will be aiming to improve upon their third-place finish in the 2024 BAL, leveraging the depth and balance they showcased in Rabat. The experience gained by the bench players during the group stage will be invaluable as they head into the playoffs. The team will be looking to build upon their strong performances against FUS Rabat and Stade Malien, while also seeking to close the gap against Al Ittihad, who stand as a significant hurdle in their path to the championship.

The Hoopers’ journey through the Kalahari Conference highlighted their resilience, depth, and balanced scoring attack. The emergence of their bench players as a reliable source of points adds a new dimension to their game, making them a more formidable opponent in the playoffs. With their key players performing at a high level and a supportive cast stepping up, Rivers Hoopers are poised to make a strong push for the BAL championship. The team’s ability to learn from their losses against Al Ittihad and translate their regular season success into playoff victories will be crucial to their ultimate aspirations in Pretoria. Their second-place finish in the Kalahari Conference sets the stage for an exciting playoff run, as they aim to solidify their position as one of the elite teams in the Basketball Africa League.