In a thrilling Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2025 seeding game at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, US Monastir secured an 89-81 victory over Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers, showcasing their bench depth and strategic prowess. The Tunisian champions, led by an explosive performance from Babacar Sane, overcame a strong first-half challenge from the Hoopers to clinch a favorable position heading into the quarterfinals.
Game Recap: Monastir’s Bench Turns the Tide
The game began with high energy, as both teams traded leads nine times in a tightly contested first quarter. Rivers Hoopers’ star forward Raphiael Putney, making an emotional return to South Africa, dazzled with 10 points, including two dunks and two three-pointers, helping his team take a 16-14 lead. The Nigerian side maintained their momentum into the second quarter, leading 36-32 at halftime, thanks to contributions from Madut Akec and Peter Olisemeka’s defensive work.
However, US Monastir’s head coach Vasco Curado made critical adjustments at halftime, relying heavily on his bench to shift the game’s momentum. The Tunisian team’s reserves outscored Rivers Hoopers’ bench 41-19, a decisive factor in the outcome. In the fourth quarter, Babacar Sane, a former NBA Academy Africa standout, took control, scoring 22 points to lead Monastir to a commanding 13-point lead. Despite a late buzzer-beating three-pointer from Hoopers’ Ahmed Doumbia, Monastir held firm for the 89-81 win.
Standout Performances
- Raphiael Putney (Rivers Hoopers): Delivered a BAL career-high 28 points, including 5-for-9 from three-point range, along with seven rebounds, showcasing his scoring versatility.
- Babacar Sane (US Monastir): Led his team with 22 points, proving instrumental in the second-half comeback.
- Madut Akec and Peter Olisemeka (Rivers Hoopers): Akec added 15 points, while Olisemeka recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The victory secured US Monastir the third seed, setting up a quarterfinal clash against defending champions Petro de Luanda on Monday, June 9, 2025. Meanwhile, Rivers Hoopers, now the fourth seed, faced Rwanda’s Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) in the quarterfinals but suffered a 104-73 defeat, ending their BAL 2025 campaign.
Monastir’s win continues their strong playoff form, reminiscent of their 2022 BAL championship run. For Rivers Hoopers, despite the loss, their competitive performance against a powerhouse like Monastir highlights their growth as a contender in the BAL.
Why This Game Matters
This matchup was the fifth BAL meeting between Rivers Hoopers and US Monastir, with the teams previously splitting their four encounters evenly. The Hoopers had knocked out Monastir in the 2024 quarterfinals, adding intensity to this rivalry. Monastir’s ability to adapt and leverage their bench strength underscores their championship pedigree, while Rivers Hoopers’ resilience keeps them in the conversation as a team to watch in future seasons.
For more on the BAL 2025 playoffs, check out our coverage of APR’s upset over Petro de Luanda and the BAL Season 5 Finals recap. Fans can also follow live updates and highlights on the official BAL website or stream games via the NBA App.
