Rivers Hoopers launched their Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season Five campaign with an 81-60 victory over Stade Malien in the Kalahari Conference opener on Saturday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sporting Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
The game opened on a scrappy note, with Stade Malien appearing more settled. Mahamane Coulibaly fired in 12 points in the first quarter alone, powering the Malians to a 23-16 lead.
He finished as the game’s top scorer with 20 points.
The Hoopers struggled to find their rhythm early on, something head coach Ogoh Odaudu attributed to nerves.
“I think what happened in the first quarter was just the jitters of the first game,” Odaudu said after the match. “It was a good thing we got our act together when we were supposed to. We’re not playing at the level we want yet.”
Hoopers Settle In and Seize Control
The momentum began to shift in the second quarter. Canadian guard Kelvin Amayo hit a smooth left hook to give Rivers Hoopers a 24-23 lead. Though the lead exchanged hands briefly, the Nigerian side found its flow and took a 41-35 lead into halftime.
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Veteran American forward Raphiael Putney returned to the court late in the second quarter with renewed energy, lifting the Hoopers on both ends of the floor. His efforts helped the team build a cushion heading into the break.
Dominant Second Half Performance
The Hoopers extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring Stade Malien 21-12 to go up 62-47. Amayo (19 points), Madut Akec (16 points, 11 rebounds), Putney (14 points), and Maxi Shamba (11 points) all reached double digits. Peter Olisemeka also made his mark, grabbing a game-high 12 rebounds along with 9 points.
Akec’s double-double stood out, while Stade Malien’s Mouhamed Doumbya added 18 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort.
“It wasn’t a perfect performance, but it’s a great start,” said Coach Odaudu. “We’ll take the win and keep building.”
Next Up: FUS Rabat
Rivers Hoopers now turn their attention to their next BAL matchup against hosts FUS Rabat, who lost their opening game 71-60 to Al Ittihad.
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The Port Harcourt-based team has made it clear: they’re in Morocco to compete—and to win.
