Ghana’s Spintex Knights let their defence do the talking in their hard-fought 68–58 win over Liberia-based outfit LPRC Oilers at the Road to BAL. Led by Kwame Qwari Mensah’s all-around performance, the Knights’ discipline and teamwork fuelled their charge toward the Elite 16.
Last Updated on
October 19, 2025
In a game dictated by defence, Spintex Knights controlled proceedings from start to finish to claim a 68–58 victory over Liberia’s LPRC Oilers on Saturday at the Palais des Sports in Treichville. It was a collective and gritty performance, highlighted by the all-around display of Kwame Qwari Mensah, the driving force behind Spintex’s win.
The Knights took an early lead (9–6) in the first quarter before breaking away with a commanding second quarter (20–9). Up 29–15 at halftime, the Liberians never truly found a way through the Ghanaian wall. Spintex alternated between compact zone defence and aggressive pressing, holding the Oilers to a low 34.5% shooting (20-of-58), including just 26.7% from three-point range.
In 21 minutes, Benjamin Kwame Qwari Mensah was the game’s most impactful player. He scored 11 points, making 3-of-9 shots and 4-of-5 free throws, while adding seven rebounds—5 of them defensive. Beyond the stats, his presence at both ends of the floor set the tone for Spintex. Mensah also registered two steals, constantly disrupting the Liberians’ offensive flow.
He received valuable support from James Amotoe (9 points, six rebounds, four assists) and Kyrone Malik Temple (9 points, two rebounds, one steal), while Abdul Aziz Yakubu (9 points, three assists) provided sparks in transition. The Knights shot 45.5% from two-point range and scored 21 points off turnovers, proving lethal whenever LPRC made mistakes.
On the other side, Austin Blessing Coleman, the Oilers’ captain, tried to carry his team with 13 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. However, the Liberians lacked offensive consistency: Omar Sawa (10 points, four assists) and Jasmin Sidibé (8 points, seven rebounds) were up and down, and the bench contributed just 11 points in total.
LPRC did dominate the boards (51 to 37), including 19 offensive rebounds, but they failed to capitalise—scoring only 14 second-chance points despite numerous opportunities. Their struggles from the free-throw line (6-of-10) also hindered any comeback attempt.
Spintex led for 27 of the 40 minutes, never allowing the Oilers to gain real momentum. Their most significant lead came at 12 points (68–56) in the closing seconds. Head coach Selorm Thomas managed the rotations well, maintaining defensive intensity throughout and ensuring no drop in energy.
The Knights also took better care of the ball (17 turnovers to 22) and executed in transition, scoring 24 fast-break points, slightly behind the Oilers’ 25, but with greater efficiency in finishing plays.
With this win, the Spintex Knights proved they can compete in a demanding group. Their defensive solidity, collective effort, and Mensah’s emergence as a floor leader make them a dangerous side heading toward the Elite 16.
While there’s still room for offensive refinement, particularly in half-court creation, this performance sends a clear message: Spintex is moving forward with structure, confidence, and a player capable of leading from both ends of the floor.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA/ROad to BAL]
