Former BAL champions US Monastir secured the Sahara Conference’s top seed with a composed 77–68 win over ASC Ville de Dakar, showcasing veteran poise, defensive control, and standout performances from Osiris Eldridge and Babacar Sané at Dakar Arena.
Last Updated on
May 8, 2025
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If there was still any doubt that US Monastir remained one of the teams to beat in the Basketball Africa League, Saturday evening put them all to rest.
In a polished and disciplined performance, the 2022 BAL champions weathered early resistance from Senegal's ASC Ville de Dakar and closed out a 77–68 win at the Dakar Arena, claiming top honours in the Sahara Conference. The victory capped a strong bounce-back campaign after an opening-game loss that had briefly raised questions about the Tunisians' form.
Before tip-off, the energy was electric. Over 8,800 fans filled the arena, voices echoing with anticipation. The earlier thriller between Petro de Luanda and Kriol Star had set the stage, and the home crowd was ready for another upset.
ASC Ville de Dakar held their ground in the opening 10 minutes, trailing just 16–15 thanks to early buckets from Will Perry and Makhtar Gueye. The local side fed off the crowd's roar, matching Monastir's physicality and intensity. But while Dakar played with heart, Monastir played with history—and strategy.
Sensing a shift, Monastir turned up the heat in the second quarter. Veteran guard Osiris Eldridge began to find his rhythm, draining shots with precision and stretching the floor. The Tunisians outscored ASCVD 22–17 in the second frames, going into halftime with a six-point edge that felt more comfortable than it looked.
From there, they never looked back.
“The game was a tough one. They had the crowd for them, but we managed to overcome them,” said Monastir center Deng Acuoth, who finished with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and a block. “We had very good chemistry here. We kept getting better and better.”
The third quarter continued in the same vein—low scoring, high control. Monastir outscored Dakar 15–14, inching their lead forward while keeping the home team from building momentum. Eldridge kept the pressure on, finishing the night with a game-high 22 points in a commanding offensive performance. Acuoth and Patrick Hardy Jr. supported the attack with 12 points each.
Meanwhile, ASC Ville de Dakar found themselves constantly playing catch-up.
Will Perry led the charge with 20 points, pushing the tempo and probing for gaps in the Tunisian defence. Gueye added a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds, but Monastir’s length and discipline in the halfcourt kept the Senegalese side at bay. Samba Fall and Ater James Majok chipped in 13 and 11 points, respectively, but the shots never came easy.
“They pushed us early,” admitted Acuoth. “But we stuck to the plan. Now, it’s about building on that for the playoffs. We’ve got to lock in defensively.”
The final quarter saw one last push from ASCVD, with the crowd urging every possession like it was the last. But Monastir remained composed, outscoring the hosts 24–22 in the final stanza and sealing the win with smart ball movement and clutch free throws.
Babacar Sané, one of the breakout players of the tournament, was once again rock solid. His double-double – 13 points and 12 rebounds — anchored Monastir on both ends of the floor. While he didn’t explode offensively, his rebounding and defensive presence were vital in limiting Dakar’s second-chance points.
Monastir finishes the group stage with a 4–1 record with the victory, reclaiming its reputation as a force in African basketball after stumbling in their opener. The Sahara Conference was no cakewalk, but the Tunisians adapted and conquered, showing the resilience of champions.
Conversely, ASC Ville de Dakar can hold their heads high. Though they finished their conference campaign without the fairytale ending they hoped for, their debut BAL season delivered excitement, promise, and the fierce pride of playing at home.
As the tournament shifts toward the playoffs, Monastir now turns its eyes forward. There’s polish still to be applied—Acuoth noted the need for defensive tightening—but the foundation is set.
“We need to focus on our assignments,” Acuoth said. “If we stay sharp and play together, we believe we can go all the way.”
[Photography Courtesy of ESPN]
