CRBT crash Kriol Stars’ home debut with landmark victory

CRBT crash Kriol Stars’ home debut with landmark victory

Kriol Star’s first international appearance on home soil ended in disappointment as they lost 94–92 to Centre de Référence de Basketball de Tombouctou (CRBT) at the Vava Duarte Gymnasium in Praia. The Malian champions, led by Angolan forward Teotonio Dò and Senegalese guard Bamba Diallo, executed their game plan efficiently to edge the Cape Verdean side in front of a lively crowd.

Despite the defeat, Kriol Star showed determination throughout the contest. They entered the game hoping to build momentum toward a return to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2026 but struggled to maintain consistency. Twice, they fell behind by large margins — 18 points in the first half and 17 later in the third quarter — before managing to pull themselves back into contention.

The turning point came midway through the third quarter when Keneti Mendes converted a three-point play to give Kriol Star their only lead at 55–54. That brief advantage was quickly erased as CRBT responded with a 17–0 run, taking control of the game once again. Kriol Star fought to close the gap in the final minutes, but key errors proved costly.

In the fourth quarter, Ivan Almeida’s turnover and a subsequent foul allowed CRBT’s Samba Fall to score from the free-throw line, widening the visitors’ cushion. Kriol Star’s final possession offered little room for recovery after Dò, a former Kriol Star player, hit a decisive three-pointer with less than six seconds left. The hosts’ last attempt fell short, confirming CRBT’s narrow win.

Statistically, the Malian side dominated in key areas. They won the rebounding battle 57–42 and made the most of their presence in the paint, outscoring Kriol Star 42–20 inside. Both teams were effective from long range, each hitting eleven three-pointers by the end of the third quarter.

Bamba Diallo played a major role in CRBT’s success. Coming off the bench, he shot 8-for-16 from the field, including six three-pointers, to finish with a game-high 23 points. Dò contributed 13 points and two crucial blocks, including one late in the game that stopped a potential Kriol Star comeback.

For the hosts, Babatunde Balogun led the scoring with 20 points, supported by steady contributions from Mendes and Almeida, but their experienced lineup could not overcome CRBT’s defensive discipline. Seven members of the Kriol Star roster have BAL experience, yet the team lacked the composure needed to close out key possessions.

The result served as a reminder that small lapses can decide tight games at this level. Kriol Star competed with effort and intensity, but their defensive rotations and decision-making in transition gave CRBT too many opportunities. The visitors took full advantage, claiming a statement win that strengthens their position in the 2026 Road to BAL West Division Elite 16.

Kriol Star will have to regroup quickly as they continue their campaign. The loss highlighted both their offensive potential and the need for improved concentration in late-game situations. For CRBT, the victory underlined their growing reputation as one of Mali’s most disciplined and well-prepared teams.

[Photography/Imagery : Courtesy of FIBA]