JCA Kings edged the Knights in a high-octane Elite 16 showdown, powered by Mike Nuga’s scoring bursts and clutch shooting. Their historic win secures BAL qualification and sets up a compelling final against powerhouse Al Ahly Benghazi.
Last Updated on
November 16, 2025
This game had the feel of a big final before jump ball, and it did not disappoint. The Knights got the clash underway with a perfect alley-oop dunk by Ekpo Bassey from the jump ball. JCA then lined up a perfect three by Ulrich Kra. It was end-to-end basketball as James Amotoe of the Knights immediately scored a fast break layup, and then Ulrich Kra drew a foul and converted both free throws.
Then there was calm in the game as both teams had now sized each other up and increased their defensive effort. Subsequently, there was a brief scoring drought before an exchange of baskets. Terekeyi Edogi scored a fast break layup from a Mahamane Coulibaly missed shot, but the Knights immediately responded with a three-pointer, courtesy of James Amotoe. He then added a free throw to restore the Knights' lead.
There was nothing to separate the two sides as they exchanged baskets and scored in any way possible. However, it was James Amotoe who got off to a blazing start, recording 11 points in the first quarter. With a minute remaining, JCA led by three, but the Knights responded with two jump shots, ending the quarter at 20-19 and closing an exciting first period.
JCA applied pressure on the Knights in the second quarter through their post presence, leading Mike Yayo to the free-throw line, where he made both shots, opening the quarter's scoring and giving JCA a narrow lead. Abakar Oumar then scored under the basket for the Knights, resulting in a lead change.
The Knights kept chipping away, scoring sporadically as they tightened their defence and increased their lead to five points. Surprisingly, neither coach panicked during these scoring droughts; instead, they let their players figure things out, trusting their preparation.
This is when Mike Nuga began to shine, hitting impressive mid-range shots. He scored six consecutive points for JCA, then extended his range to hit a three-pointer. The knights responded in typical fashion by hitting a three-pointer of their own, courtesy of Joel Opoku-Tham.
Not backing down, Nuga quickly restored JCA's lead with another three-pointer. By halftime, he had scored 12 points this quarter, helping JCA reach their largest lead at 41-37.
Mike Yayo capitalised on the Knights' missed shot to hit a three and extend JCA's lead to seven. However, turnovers and lacklustre defence allowed the Knights to narrow the gap, and James Amotoe found his rhythm again.
As the Knights neared their opponents, Ulrich Kra drained a three-pointer to ignite an 8-0 run for JCA, during which Nuga added another mid-range jumper and Mahamane Coulibaly hit a three.
James Amotoe stole the ball, accelerated for a fast break, and scored a layup, breaking JCA's momentum. The Knights then went on a 7-0 run, applying pressure on the JCA Kings.
Jonathan Cissé responded with three points to end the quarter at 63-55 in favour of JCA. Both teams knew there was still much basketball to play, and a lapse in focus could cost them a ticket to the BAL. The fourth quarter began with an intense scoring barrage from both teams, resembling an offensive clinic in Praia. Twenty points were scored in the first two minutes.
The Knights, led by three three-pointers from Henry Kpogo and Treasure Botchway, showed the most impressive play. The scoring slowed dramatically afterwards, as if both teams had paused for intermission before an electrifying finish.
Mike Nuga returned to the scene with back-to-back three pointers for JCA that Knigts also retaliated to. Khyree Temple also shot athree-pointer for Knights to keep the game within seven. It was the dagger by Ulrich Kra that capped off this run and took the air out of the lungs of the Knights. This prompted a Knights timeout which paid dividends as Abdul Yakubu scored a basket to revive the Knights.
However, they had no way to stop or slow down Mike Nuga who reached an unprecedented offensive state in the closing minutes of this quarter as he went on another solo 7-0 run and forced coach Selorm Thomas to call another timeout in an attempt to stop the bleeding and make a last ditched effort to win this game despite finding themselves down 14 points with two and a half minutes to go.
It was Jonathan Cissé who pushed the dagger further when he went on a final five-point run for JCA. Despite eight last minute points for Knights, it was JCE that claimed the victory and booked their ticket to the BAL next year with the final score at 93-82. James Amotoe made a valiant effort with 24 points but it was not enough to stop the JCA armada led by Mike Nuga who had 27 points. Ulrich Kra also chipped in with 22 points and four steals.
JCA Kings are now the second Ivorian side to play in the BAL. Stephane Konaté, the JCA head coach and African basketball legend, has made history as he is now the first person to play and coach a side in the BAL. He spent the twilight years of his playing career with Abidjan Basketball Club, which participated in the BAL, and will now return as a head coach. Amidst the celebration, the Kings of JCA will be fiercely preparing to play Al Ahly Benghazi in the finals.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA/WBLA]
