BAL Season 5: MBB celebrates first BAL win, Al Ahli Tripoli rides perfect in Kigali.
By Nsonyi Armstrong
Made By Ball (MBB) from South Africa claim first win on day 3 of the Nile conference, Basketball Africa League Season 5. A narrow 75-74 victory against Nairobi City Thunder of Kenya rekindled MBB’s playoff hopes. Robinson Opong’s game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds, settled the game.
In a nail biting clash, the South African franchise had to dig deep to overcome an 18 point third-quarter deficit. Pieter Prinsloo delivered a stellar performance with a double-double for MBB: 30pts, 11 assists.
“This game reminded me of some good days in the NBA. I had flashbacks of some of the troubles I went through in the NBA… but this is just the beginning.” Sam Vincent, head coach MBB.
Al Ahli Tripoli continue with perfect record at the Nile Conference, a 90-68 win against host APR BBC. The Libyan side eased on with 3/3.
Jean Jacques Boissy (27 pts, 4 Reb) with another shift on the court for Al Ahli Tripoli. “I told him that he is the only player playing at home. So when he joined us preparing ahead of the BAL conference, he acted as if he knew us before. His leadership qualities are incredible.
He helps the team play better” Al Ahli head coach Fouad Abou Chacra praises Jean Jacques Boissy after the win over APR.
Naseim Badrush of Al Ahli was MVP of the game with 25 points and 7 Reb. “I am equally proud of the performance by Naseim Badrush, big game today” Al Ahli coach Fouad Abou Chacra.
APR missed the on court leadership of top scorer Aliou Diarra. Key man missed out due to injury. The Nile Conference host matched Al Ahli through the 1st two quarters but slumped in the 2nd half. Some top positives from APR on the night: Obadiah Noel (18pts, 4 rebounds, 3 assists) and Randle Chasson (18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists).
