Undefeated Rivers Hoopers are looking to cap off a perfect first round in the Basketball Africa League’s Sahara Conference when they face Tunisia’s US Monastir later today.
The Nigerian side have dominated so far, defeating both last year’s finalists AS Douanes and Armee Patroitique Rwandise. However, their final matchup presents a tougher challenge.
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Monastir, the 2022 champions, are winless after two games, making them a hungry opponent desperate for a win to stay in playoff contention.
Hoopers coach Ogo Odaudu acknowledges the threat from the North Africans and is expecting a fierce battle from a motivated Monastir.
“We know they’ll be coming out with everything they have,” Odaudu said. “They beat us in our first BAL appearance, so there’s a little revenge factor there too. Our plan remains the same: play the same brand of basketball that’s brought us success so far.
“They won’t want to go 0-3 in this tournament so it’s going to be a tough one.”
Hoopers will rely on their star performers like Will Perry (averaging 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game) and Devine Eke (averaging 25 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists per game) to lead the charge.
This game is a historic moment for Rivers Hoopers, already surpassing their win total from their debut BAL season (one win).
