Boissy Torches MBB as Al Ahli Hold Off Late Comeback in BAL Playoff Push Thriller

Boissy Torches MBB as Al Ahli Hold Off Late Comeback in BAL Playoff Push Thriller

The first quarter got off to a slow start for MBB as they struggled to convert even from close range, with Sibanyoni missing two sitters and Mooring adding. However, as he is known to do, Sibanyoni made sure with the rebounds.

It was Deon Thompson who opened the scoring with back-to-back 3-pointers. Lenard Jr was the heartbeat of MBB on both ends, and that spark was what they needed. MBB struggled with defensive transition and even half-court defense, which led Jaylen Adams to score 6/6 from the line. This also prompted MBB into foul trouble with five minutes left in the quarter. Despite this, AL Ahli struggled to take advantage of this and get to the free-throw line more. The South African veteran, Neo Mothiba, ended the quarter with a steal and a transition three. The 43-year-old continues to inspire South Africans even in the twilight years of his career. Al Ahli ended the quarter with a 20-15 lead.
 
MBB started more aggressively, with Mooring getting fouled and opening the quarter with two free throws. However, Sadi immediately converted a three-point make for Al Ahli, which was downhill from there for MBB. Al Ahli was up by as much as 15 points at some stage. From here, it has been an uphill struggle for MBB. Boissy caught fire and was scorching hot from the three as he converted 5 3-pointers. MBB capitalized on Al Ahli’s foul trouble as Lenard Jr continued to drive, putting Al Ahli on the backfoot. Lenard Jr could rise on the drive and slam it down with one hand. He also collected three blocks this quarter to show his versatility on both ends. As if that was not enough, he got a steal and transition 3-pointer to close off the half and take the score to 45-33.
 
MBB started this quarter the same way as the previous quarter – two free throws, but this time from Pieter Prinsloo. Lenard Jr scored from a mid-range right before fouling Adams for an And-1. It then went south as Boissy scored three three-pointers to take his tally to 8 from beyond the arc for the game. MBB going down as much as 19 points at some stage. However, they were not to be counted out yet as Lenard Jr continued to push this team on both ends – using his athleticism and exuberant youth to make exciting plays over and over. He even dropped a dime to Thielemans, who stuffed it with two hands. Badrush then scored quick points to give Al Ahli a 12-point lead to close the quarter at 64-50.
 
The fourth quarter started a lot more electric, with both teams having an elevated sense of urgency. They exchanged baskets at the start of the quarter. Lenard Jr opened the scoring for MBB, and Caleb Agada replied immediately with a floater. Mooring scored a three to ignite MBB’s comeback. Lenard Jr connected with Camara for an alley-oop. Robinson Opong scored back-to-back three-pointers before Mooring converted two free throws to bring it to within five at 72-67. They subsequently got into foul trouble with four minutes left of the quarter. Mooring got back-to-back And-1 plays but was unable to convert the free throws on both occasions. Lenard Jr got overzealous and reached in and got fouled out with just under a minute to go. They exchanged free throws, but Al Ahli held on to win 87-77.
 
MBB left a lot on the table but has also sent a message that they are here to compete. Mooring led them with 26 points, while Lenard Jr had 20 points and six rebounds. Opong found his way on the perimeter with five 3-pointers, but this would not be enough for Al Ahli, who had five double-digit players. Boissy led all scorers with 28 points (eight from beyond the arc) and seven rebounds. He also had meaningful contributions from Adams (16 points and five assists), Thompson (11 points and eight rebounds) and Badrush (14 points, four rebounds and five assists). Both teams will continue on their quest to book a ticket to Pretoria for the playoffs.

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[Photography Courtesy of The BAL]