Elan Coton BBC edged the LPRC Oilers 75–69 in a tense opening Road to BAL 2026 clash, relying on free-throw precision (86.7%) and balanced scoring to outlast a determined Liberian-based side led by Jerror Tarwo and Omar Samba.
Last Updated on
October 17, 2025
Elan Coton launched their Road to BAL 2025 campaign on a winning note, edging debutants LPRC Oilers 75-69 in a tense and physically demanding encounter that went down to the wire. For the Benin side, it was the perfect start to a tournament where every win counts, and they had to dig deep to withstand the relentless push from the Liberian newcomers.
The returning Beninese representatives displayed experience and composure, but the Oilers, despite their first appearance at this level, proved they were not there to make up the numbers. Both teams traded baskets early on, with Elan Coton showing more control in the opening minutes. Five minutes into the first quarter, they held a slim 11-8 lead, setting the tone for what would become a fiercely contested battle.
By the end of the opening period, LPRC Oilers responded with a strong 11-10 run, narrowing the deficit and making it clear they were capable of matching their opponents’ tempo. Elan Coton entered the second quarter with a modest 22-18 lead but quickly found themselves under renewed pressure. The Liberians intensified their offence and tested the Beninese defence, cutting the gap to just two points at halftime (36-34).
That first half summarised the Oilers’ determination: quick in transition, aggressive under the rim, and never backing down from a challenge. Their intensity in the paint was awe-inspiring, where they would eventually dominate with 52 points compared to Elan Coton’s 34. Yet while the Oilers owned the paint, the Beninese side capitalised elsewhere, from turnovers, from distance, and, most crucially, at the free-throw line.
Elan Coton’s remarkable 86.7% success rate from the charity stripe proved to be the quiet difference-maker. In a game decided by small margins, composure at the line kept them afloat every time the Oilers threatened to take over. The depth of their bench also proved a major asset, contributing 35 points compared to the Oilers’ 22. Those contributions allowed Elan Coton to stay fresh in key moments, especially during the closing stretch.
The third quarter mirrored the previous ones: close, physical, and unpredictable. LPRC Oilers edged the period 17-16, trailing by just three points (53-50) heading into the final stanza. The tension in the arena was palpable. The Oilers smelled an upset, and Elan Coton, aware of the danger, leaned on their experience to steady the ship.
A late surge led by Abolaji Emilagba proved decisive. The guard, who has been one of Elan Coton’s most consistent performers in recent seasons, delivered 14 points, including a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line and two crucial three-pointers that halted the Oilers’ momentum. He also added four rebounds, four assists, and two steals, an all-around performance that highlighted his value in crunch time.
Supporting him was Monra Salim Kora Sero, who contributed 11 points and six rebounds while remaining perfect from the line, and team captain Taofic Andebi, whose leadership came with 10 points and key defensive interventions. Their balance and unselfish play embodied the team’s resilience when the pressure mounted.
On the other end, the Oilers displayed promise and grit, headlined by a standout double-double from Jerror Tarwo (10 points, 10 rebounds). Omar Samba led all scorers with 15 points and dished out seven assists, orchestrating the offence with creativity. John Davids and Lassina Sidibé added 12 and 10 points, respectively, giving the Liberians four players in double figures — an encouraging sign for a team making its first appearance in the competition.
In the end, however, experience prevailed. Elan Coton’s ability to force turnovers and convert them into 20 points, while limiting their own mistakes, allowed them to stay ahead just enough to escape with victory. The final quarter’s 22-19 run sealed the result, though the Oilers continued to fight until the very last possession.
For the Beninese side, this narrow win represents more than just two points in the standings; it reinforces their credentials as a disciplined, well-rounded unit capable of prevailing in close battles. As they prepare to face Jeunesse Club d’Abidjan next, the goal will be to maintain momentum and fine-tune their offensive execution.
For the LPRC Oilers, the loss, though disappointing, carries plenty of positives. Their poise, physicality, and offensive balance suggest they could surprise in upcoming fixtures. Their next opportunity comes against Spintex Knights, and if they build on this performance, their first win may not be far away.
In a game defined by grit and composure, Elan Coton BBC’s precision from the line and bench strength made the difference — small details that separate contenders from challengers in the demanding Road to BAL.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA/Road to BAL]
