2025 BAL: Rivers Hoopers Secure Second Consecutive Win

2025 BAL: Rivers Hoopers Secure Second Consecutive Win

Precious Oham

Rivers Hoopers continued their perfect start to the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Kalahari Conference with a hard-fought 88–82 win over Moroccan champions FUS de Rabat, improving to 2–0 in the tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a game marked by momentum swings and high-intensity action, the Nigerian champions leaned on rebounding dominance and perimeter precision to seal the result.

Madut Akec led all scorers with 25 points, connecting on 4 of 8 from deep, while Kelvin Amayo followed closely with 23 points and a commanding floor presence throughout the night.

Despite a poor outing from the free-throw line (11-of-27, 41%), Rivers Hoopers shot an efficient 49% from the field and 45% from three-point range.

Their 43–38 edge on the boards and 23 second-chance points proved crucial, especially in the closing minutes.

Peter Olisemeka controlled the paint with 12 rebounds and 9 points, while Raphael Putney and Shamba Maxi Munanga provided timely buckets and hustle plays on both ends.

FUS de Rabat fought valiantly, with Nisre Zouzoua hitting five triples en route to 23 points.

Veteran Abdelhakim Zouita chipped in 13, and Jonathan Devante Jordan tallied a double-double (12 points, 11 assists) but struggled with shooting consistency. 

Rivers Hoopers led by as many as 14 points, and despite late pressure from FUS, held their composure to close out another statement win.

The KingsMen will be back on the court on Tuesday to play Al-Ittihad of Egypt after observing a one-day break.