Spintex Knights Rise To The Challenge And Claim Elite 16 Spot in Abidjan

Spintex Knights Rise To The Challenge And Claim Elite 16 Spot In Abidjan

There are games that test a team’s mettle as much as their skill, and for Spintex Knights, Sunday night in Abidjan was one of them. A tense, winner-takes-all battle against Elan Coton BBC ended in relief, joy, and a hard-earned 63–53 victory — one that sealed their passage to the Elite 16 of the Road to BAL 2026.

Both teams entered the decisive contest with identical 1–1 records, knowing there would be no second chances. The stakes were clear: win, and advance; lose, and go home. From the opening tip, the Knights carried themselves with the calm of a group that knew what was required.

Their early precision set the tone, edging the first quarter 14–13. It wasn’t dominant, but it was a sign of intent, the kind of start that speaks to quiet confidence rather than showy dominance.

The second quarter, though, told a different story. That’s when the Knights truly flexed their collective muscle. They tightened defensively, attacked the rim with purpose, and rode a 21–12 run to stretch their lead to double digits at halftime, 35–25. Every rebound, every pass, every shout from the bench carried the same energy — a team unwilling to let their season end here.

Elan Coton BBC, to their credit, did not fold. They came out of the locker room fighting, and for a moment, the tide seemed to turn. Their 16–10 third-quarter burst brought them within four points, setting up a nerve-wracking final stanza.

But as the tension built, the Knights’ response was as composed as it was emphatic. They held their line, outscoring their opponents 18–12 in the last quarter to close the door on any comeback hopes.

In the end, what made the difference was not just the scoreboard, but the spirit behind the numbers. The Knights were sharper, stronger, and more connected. They dominated nearly every major statistical category — winning the rebounding battle 50–41, distributing the ball more freely (13 assists to 8), and imposing themselves inside the paint, where they outscored the Benin champions 38–28.

And yet, beyond the stats, this was a story of individual effort meeting collective will. Abdul Aziz Yakubu was the heartbeat of the night — his double-double performance of 14 points and 11 rebounds anchored the Knights on both ends of the floor. Efficient and poised, he converted 4 of his 5 field goals and hit 6 of 7 from the free-throw line, a picture of consistency under pressure.

Next to him, James Amotoe once again delivered when it mattered most. With 13 points, six rebounds, and three assists, he continued to embody the grit and versatility that have defined Spintex’s campaign. And then there was Ruai Gatyang Yar Luak, quietly crucial with 10 points and six rebounds — the kind of contribution that doesn’t always make headlines but makes all the difference when the game is on the line.

Still, Elan Coton BBC walked away with their heads held high. Their bench outscored the Knights’ reserves 33–29, and they thrived in transition, producing 18 fast-break points to their opponents’ 10. They fought every inch of the way, but the execution down the stretch belonged to Spintex.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Knights gathered at midcourt — smiling, exhausted, but proud. It wasn’t just another win; it was validation. A journey that began with uncertainty now moves forward with momentum.

For Spintex Knights, this victory wasn’t just about advancing. It was about belief — in their structure, in their effort, and in each other. They leave Abidjan knowing they belong among Africa’s elite. And as the Elite 16 awaits, the message is clear: the Knights aren’t just here to participate. They’re here to make noise.

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[Photography/Imagery : Courtesy of FIBA]