Rivers Hoopers defeat APR to achieve historic back-to-back wins at BAL

Will Perry of the Rivers Hoopers shoots the ball during the game against the Armee Patriotique Rwandaise on May 5, 2024 at Dakar Arena in Diamniadia, Senegal. (Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE)

Five-time Nigerian basketball champions, Rivers Hoopers, reached a historic milestone at the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) on Sunday by defeating Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) 86-82. With this victory, they became the first Nigerian team to win consecutive games at the BAL.

This achievement followed their earlier triumph over AS Douanes, the 2023 BAL runners-up, in their Sahara Conference opener.

Rivers Hoopers also recorded (14) three-points in the game. It is the second most 3-pointers made in the ongoing season of the BAL thus far, just behind 2023 BAL champions Al Ahly SC. The Nigerian champions shot 14-for-38 from behind the arc. Point guard Will Perry set the tone, making 7 of his 13 three-point attempts to finish with a team-high of 31 points; Kelvin Amayo finished 3-for-9 from long range to sign out with 13 points, and John Wilkins added another 3 threes to finish with 9 points to help Rivers Hoopers remain as the only undefeated team in the conference so far.

In this closely contested encounter, the KingsMen showed great composure and effective game management to overcome a resilient APR team that had previously beaten former champions US Monastir of Tunisia in an overtime victory in their opening fixture. The Rwandan side started strong, scoring the first points of the game, but Rivers Hoopers’ Perry quickly responded, leading the team with a remarkable performance.

Throughout the game, both teams displayed high energy and skill, with Rivers Hoopers gaining a slim lead by the end of the first quarter at 19-18. The teams continued to battle fiercely, with the lead changing hands multiple times, resulting in a tied score of 40-40 at halftime.

Devine Eke of the Rivers Hoopers dunks the ball during the game against the Armee Patriotique Rwandaise on May 5, 2024 at Dakar Arena in Diamniadia, Senegal. (Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE)

In the second half, Rivers Hoopers managed to pull ahead, maintaining a slim lead throughout the third quarter and into the final minutes of the game. Despite a late surge from APR, Rivers Hoopers held on to their lead, with Perry sealing the victory with two crucial free throws in the final seconds. Perry finished with 31 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, making him the game’s top performer.

Devine Eke, the top performer from the previous game against AS Douanes, contributed 19 points and a game-high 8 rebounds. Amayo led the game in assists, adding 13 points and 3 steals to his name. Additional contributions from Peter Olisemeka, John Wilkins, and NBA Africa Academy/BAL Elevate player David Ike helped secure the historic win for Rivers Hoopers.

The victory improved Rivers Hoopers’ record to 2-0 for the 2024 season and 3-2 overall in the BAL. The KingsMen will next face former champions US Monastir of Tunisia on Tuesday, May 7th, at 5pm.