BAL: Rivers Hoopers defeat S’Africa’s Tigers to win bronze medal

Rivers Hoopers have won the bronze medal at the ongoing 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL).

The Kings Men defeated South Africa’s Cape Town Tigers 80-57 in the third-place match at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday.

Hoopers’ fairy tale run at the competition was halted in the semi-final by Al-Ahly Benghazi, who defeated them 89-83  on Wednesday.

But the Nigerian team shook off the disappointment of the loss and ruthlessly stomped on the Tigers to a podium finish.

History has been made!!!!

Third best team in Africa for @theBAL season 4. Nigeria you feel am?

Drop some good words for this great team from Pitakwa. All the way from 59 Niger street , Port Harcourt. #TheBAL #BAL4 #TheKingsMen pic.twitter.com/Nrs2PaYqEK

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— Rivers Hoopers (@RiversHoopers) May 31, 2024

The Kings Men showed superior intent from the first quarter, which ended 25-8.

Hoopers maintained dominance in the second quarter and led 43-29 at half-time.

The team resumed its rampage on its South African opponents in the third quarter before rounding off its performance in the final quarter for a 23-point victory.

Ogoh Odaudu of Rivers Hoopers was named the best coach of the competition in recognition of his team’s historic display.

The 2024 edition was the Kings Men’s second appearance at the BAL. In 2021, they crashed out in the group stage, winning just one game.

Al-Ahly Benghazi will face Petro de Luanda of Angola in the final on Saturday.