Devine Eke led the charge for Rivers Hoopers, scoring a game-high 31 points to secure a 77-68 victory over AS Douanes in their Sahara Conference opener of the Basketball Africa League on Saturday at the Dakar Arena.

Despite AS Douanes being the favourites on paper, the Nigerian champions remained unfazed, having acquired key players before the tournament.

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Both teams started brightly, with AS Douanes’ John Madut opening the scoring. However, Hoopers’ guard Will Perry quickly replied with a long-range shot to level the score. AS Douanes took the first quarter 23-18, but Hoopers fought back, taking the second quarter 19-16 and trailing by just two points at halftime (39-37).

Hoopers dominated the third quarter, restricting the hosts to just nine points while scoring 19 themselves. The final quarter ended 21-20 in favour of Hoopers, sealing a 77-68 win. Hoopers’ superior shooting percentage (42% to 32%) and rebounding advantage (46 to 38) were key factors in their victory.

Devine Eke was the Player of the Game, with an impressive all-round performance that included 12 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Will Perry added 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal, while John Wilkins contributed 14 points and three rebounds. Peter Olisemeka pulled down 10 rebounds and scored three points.

For AS Douanes, John Madut led the way with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Christopher Ewaoche Obekpa scored 14 points, with two assists and two blocks, while Jean Jacques Boissy had a solid all-round game with 12 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals, and one block. Seydougou Fofana added 14 points and three rebounds off the bench.

Rivers Hoopers face Armee Patriotique Rwandise (APR) next, who also won their opener against US Monastirienne 89-84 in overtime. The game promises to be an exciting matchup between two confident teams.