Game Report: In a gripping contest at the 2024 Basketball Africa League Playoffs, AS Douanes clinched a narrow 63-57 victory over Rivers Hoopers, despite the Nigeria-based club's fourth-quarter comeback. The match was intense from start to finish, with both teams showcasing their tactical acumen and competitive spirit.
Last Updated on
May 26, 2024
Fanya Nkengasong
Staff Writer
These two teams are no strangers to each other, having competed in the same group at the Sahara Conference in Dakar, Senegal.
In their previous encounters, both teams finished level on points, each securing one win. However, in this round of 16 playoff encounters, AS Douanes got off to a flying start, leading 22-9 at the end of the first quarter.
Rivers Hoopers attempted to close the gap with fast breaks, but AS Douanes tightened their defence and narrowly won the second quarter by a single point (15-14). At halftime, Les Douaniers held a solid fourteen-point lead (37-23).
AS Douanes continued their aggressive play in the third quarter, outscoring Rivers Hoopers 13-5. The Rivers Hoopers team, impressed during the Sahara Conference in Dakar, was nowhere to be seen. Their outside shooting was abysmal (9%, or 2 out of 22), and their free throw performance was also poor (4 out of 12). AS Douanes capitalized on loose balls to score 20 points, further dominating the game.
In the final quarter, Les Douaniers managed the game well. Despite a late surge from Rivers Hoopers, who closed the gap to six points (57-63) with a minute to go, AS Douanes held their ground and secured a 63-57 victory.
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