Rivers Hoopers defeat FUS Rabat to continue perfect start at 2025 BAL

Rivers Hoopers defeated FUS Rabat of Morocco 88-82 in their second game of the Kalahari Conference of the 2025 Basketball League Africa (BAL). 

Hoopers were triumphant in a closely contested game against the Moroccan champions in front of a hostile crowd at Salle Omnisports Moulay Abdellah in Rabat on Sunday.

The Nigerian side beat Mali’s Stade Malien in their opening match on Saturday and continued their perfect start to the competition against FUS Rabat.

The Kings Men maintained the brave form from the previous game and won the first quarter 23-17.

Hoopers extended their lead in the second quarter, and the scoreline was 50-42 at half-time.

However, the Nigerian team surrendered the lead in the third quarter and was only saved by an improved fourth-quarter performance.

Hoopers then held on for a vital six-point victory against the hosts.

Kelvin Amayo was the player of the game with 23 points, two rebounds and four assists. Madut Akec had 25 points, eight rebounds and two assists.

Hoopers will play Egypt’s Al Ittihad, the other unbeaten team in the Kalahari Conference, on Tuesday.

Only the top two teams from the Conference will automatically progress to the playoffs.

Rivers Hoopers won the bronze medal in the 2024 BAL