BAL: Rivers Hoopers Cruise Past Stade Malien to Wrap Kalahari Conference in Style
Rivers Hoopers concluded their Kalahari Conference campaign in an emphatic fashion with a 79-59 blowout win over Stade Malien, stamping their dominance as they head into the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs in Pretoria, South Africa. Having already secured qualification to the playoffs of the 2025 BAL, the KingsMen stepped onto the court with nothing to prove but a lot to affirm, and it was done neatly. From the tip-off, the Hoopers set the tone, controlling the tempo and keeping Stade Malien in check with a stifling defense that held the Malian side to just 28.6% shooting from the field. The Nigerian side, on the other hand, shot a solid 45.3% and displayed their growing team chemistry. Raphael Putney was the spark plug for the Hoopers, dropping 15 points in under 19 minutes with clinical efficiency knocking down five of his eight attempts at a 62% clip. Putney was ably supported by Madut Akec, whose hustle on both ends saw him finish with 14 points on 46% shooting. Off the bench, Micheal Afuwape provided instant offense, scoring 13 points in just 14 minutes and converting 80% of his shots, including a perfect 3-for-3 from the line. Abel Chidiebere Offia added 9 points and Ifeanyi Anthony dropped 9 points and 3 rebounds in 20 minutes. Rivers Hoopers also outplayed Stade Malien beyond the arc, making nine of their 30 three-point attempts (30%), while Stade Malien managed just 9-of-37 (24.3%). The Hoopers’ ball movement, defensive rotations, and bench depth were simply too much for their opponents. With this win, Rivers Hoopers closed out the Kalahari Conference with a 4-2 record and firmly focused on their next stop Pretoria, South Africa, where the best of the continent will battle for glory in the BAL Playoffs.
