Rivers Hoopers continued their perfect start to the 2025 BAL Kalahari Conference with a 88–82 win over FUS de Rabat on Sunday night.
After opening their campaign with a dominant 81–60 win over Stade Malien on Saturday, the Nigerian champions followed up with another strong display in Rabat, leaning on perimeter shooting, rebounding dominance, and composure under pressure to seal victory in a high-octane clash.
First Half: Hoopers Show Intent Early
FUS de Rabat got the crowd involved early on with a three-pointer from Nisre Zouzoua, but unlike their slow start against Stade Malien, the KingsMen came out firing.
Raphael Putney, who took time to settle in the opener, scored seven of Rivers Hoopers’ first eight points, setting the tone from the jump.
Madut Akec quickly took over offensively, pouring in 11 first-quarter points to help Rivers Hoopers to a 23–17 lead after 10 minutes.
In the second quarter, Kelvin Amayo began to assert himself, joining Putney and Akec in double figures.
The trio powered the Hoopers to a 50–42 halftime lead, while Zouzoua’s 10 points kept the hosts within touching distance.
Second Half: Rabat Rallies, But Hoopers Hold On
FUS responded with intensity in the third quarter, energizing the home crowd. Abdelhakim Zouita led the charge alongside Badr Eddine Azouga and the ever-dangerous Zouzoua, who hit another deep three to push FUS into a narrow lead.
Ike David Ugonna missed two key free throws late in the quarter, and Rivers Hoopers trailed 67–65 heading into the final 10 minutes.
But the Hoopers stormed back early in the fourth. Shamba Maxi Munanga reached double figures, and Ugonna made amends by hitting two crucial free throws.
With Putney reintroduced despite being on four fouls, the KingsMen turned to interior combinations between him and Peter Olisemeka to restore momentum.
FUS kept it close, and Zouzoua tied the game at 78–78 with another clutch triple — his fifth of the night.
But in the game’s defining stretch, Rivers Hoopers executed a game-breaking 8–0 run, silencing the home crowd and leaving the Moroccan side with too much to do in the closing minute.
FUS battled to the end, but the Nigerian side held firm to claim a statement win.
Key Performers and Stats
Madut Akec: 25 points (4-of-8 from three), top scorer
Kelvin Amayo: 23 points, instrumental in second-quarter surge
Nisre Zouzoua (FUS): 23 points, 5 three-pointers
Peter Olisemeka: 12 rebounds, 9 points, strong presence in the paint
Jonathan Devante Jordan (FUS): 12 points, 11 assists (double-double)
Team FG%: Rivers Hoopers 49% FG, 45% 3PT
Free Throws: Rivers Hoopers struggled (11-of-27, 41%)
Rebounds: Rivers Hoopers 43–38 FUS
Second-Chance Points: Rivers Hoopers 23
Coach Ogoh Odaudu: “We are still a work in progress”
Despite back-to-back victories, Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu remains grounded about his team’s performance.
“We are still a work in progress. We are not where we think we should be yet. We are still working on it,” he said in the post-match press conference.
“I’d say we’re ready to compete this year. That was the plan from the get-go: we want to take it one game at a time.”
Next Up: Al Ittihad Clash Looms
Rivers Hoopers will return to action after a one-day break, facing Egyptian powerhouse Al Ittihad, who themselves improved to 2–0 with a 72–69 win over Stade Malien earlier on Sunday.
With both teams unbeaten, the game could determine who secures automatic qualification for the BAL playoffs.
As it stands, Rivers Hoopers have shown they not only belong in the conversation but are capable of contending with Africa’s elite — with quality in both their starting five and off the bench.
Their next outing may well be their sternest test yet.
