US Monastir beat Rivers Hoppers to wrap up BAL group stage

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers finish with a 4-2 record in the Sahara Conference of the 2024 Basketball African League (BAL) after a 73-62 loss to US Monastir in their final group match on Sunday.

They had sealed a place in the Playoffs with a 78-71 win over Rwandan side, APR on Saturday but could not replicate a similar run of wins on Sunday.

The two teams (Rivers Hoopers and US Monastir) won two quarters each 13-19, 20-19, 9-18, and 20-17.

US Monastir’s Chris Crawford topped the performers list with 21 points, six rebounds, and nine assists ahead of teammate, Majok Ater who had 18 points,16 rebounds, and an assist.

Eke Devine emerged as Rivers Hoopers’ top performer in the game with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and three assists.

After six group games, Rivers Hooper came out top from the Sahara Conference with 10 points ahead of US Monastir (9 points) as the two teams qualified for the Playoffs.

APR and Douanes with seven points each will not take further part in the competition.

The 2024 BAL Playoffs will take place in Kigali, Rwanda.