Rivers Hoopers wrapped up their 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Kalahari Conference campaign with a 79–59 win over Stade Malien on Sunday, sealing their place in the BAL Playoffs with a 4–2 record and second place in the group.
With qualification already secured, the Nigerian champions used the game to flex their depth and cohesion, and they did so in style. Resting star guard Kelvin Amayo (hamstring injury), who had averaged 35.3 minutes over five games, Coach Ogoh Odaudu gave valuable minutes to his bench—and they delivered.
Bench Sparks & Rising Talents
Micheal Afuwape stole the spotlight off the bench, contributing 13 points in just 14 minutes, shooting an impressive 80% from the field and 3-for-3 from the line.
Abel Chidiebere Offia and Ifeanyi Anthony (Koko Jr.) also stepped up with 9 points each, while Onyebuchi Nwaiwu continued to show his value on the boards.
The Hoopers’ reserves exploded for 33 points—more than they had scored collectively in the previous four games—accounting for 41.8% of the team’s total output, a statement of squad depth heading into the postseason.
Defensive Masterclass & Offensive Precision
From tip-off, the Hoopers set the tone. They held Stade Malien to just 28.6% shooting, while knocking down 45.3% of their own attempts and controlling the paint and perimeter alike.
They also bested the Malians from beyond the arc, hitting nine three-pointers at 30%, while Stade Malien managed just 24.3% from deep.
Standout Stats from the Conference:
Madut Akec: Averaged 17.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and an elite 56.7% from three-point range.
Raphael Putney: Added 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. He dropped 15 points in the finale on 62% shooting.
Peter Olisemeka: Dominated the glass with a team-high 11 rebounds per game.
The win over Stade Malien was Hoopers’ second in the group against the same side, following their 81–60 win in the opener.
Their two losses came at the hands of undefeated Al Ittihad (94–77, 100–80), but they bounced back impressively with back-to-back victories over FUS Rabat before finishing strong against Stade Malien.
With a +18 point differential and growing chemistry, the Hoopers are not just participating—they’re contenders.
Next Stop: Pretoria
The BAL Playoffs are set for June 6–14 in Pretoria, South Africa, marking the first time the postseason will be held in the country.
With a deep roster, a well-oiled defense, and offensive options on all fronts, Rivers Hoopers are primed to improve on their 2024 third-place finish.
Coach Odaudu and his KingsMen now head to Pretoria with confidence, composure, and a clear goal: to bring the BAL title to Nigeria.
