U.S. Monastir met with the Rivers Hoopers for their second game of Group Stage. Here’s how it went...
If Monastir’s game against GNBC was a message, the one against the Rivers Hoopers is the confirmation. Supposedly exciting – at least on paper – US Monastir’s fast dominance called the game early. Coach Mounir Ben Slimane draws his Classic 5; Mourad El Mabrook, Ater Majok, Radhouane Slimane, Omar Abada and Makram Ben Romdhane. From the Hoopers side, Nigerian Coach Ogoh Odaudu’s starting 5 is composed of Precious Osigbodi, Solomon Ajegbeyi, Chris Daniels and Benjamin Ikechukwu.
Tip Off. Game 2 starts with a clear control from the Tunisian side with an early play of the game – Majok’s dunk from an assist of Tunisian PG and 2017 Afrobasket winner, Omar Abada. Newly recruited Chris Crawford ends the 1st QT with a 3 points and both sides return to the bench with a 10 points gap between them.
(Photo by Nicole Sweet/BAL/Basketball Africa League via Getty Images)
2nd QT, after showing off his team’s offensive skills, MBS let us appreciate his roster’s defense. Monastir’s big boys — Mokhtar Ghayaza, Firas Lahyani and Ater Majok’s rebounds stats (6 rebounds each) proves the team’s presence on the paint. On top of his 20 year career, Radhouane Slimane daggers a 3 pointer right before HT. Team’s morale is off the roof as they return to the locker room with +27 gap.
3rd QT; back on court, Nigeria’s delegation finally shows their teeth. Duo Chris Daniels and Ben Uzoh break-in the Tunisian wall and the American center ends the game with an impressive double-double: 25 pts and 11 rebounds. But center Ater Majok and PF Makram Ben Romdhane keep the wide gap well-alive. Your 3rd QT X factor is the Lebanese PG; Wael Arakji, explosive on court proving his talent with 17 points, 3 assists and 1 rebound in 19 minutes.
(Photo by Nicole Sweet/BAL/Basketball Africa League via Getty Images)
4th QT, U.S. Monastir doesn’t slow down and plays until the last buzzer. Oussama Marnaoui takes advantage of his play-time while Firas ‘’Air Tunisia’’ Lahyani delights us poster after poster. Tunisia’s veteran, Radhouane ‘’Sekka’’ Slimane acute precision, widen the gap with back-to-back-to-back from downtown.
Game 2 ends with a yet another dominant win from the North African team, 99-70. The Tunisian side advances to the Last 8. ‘’At 40 you need to work harder than your 20’s to stay in shape (…)’’ says Radhouane Slimane as he is rewarded the MVP title of the game. Center Ater Majok ends the day with 12 points, 1 assist and 6 rebounds, while sniper Mourad El Mabrook aligns 11 points, 5 assists and 1 rebound.
U.S. Monastir will meet hosts Patriots BBC from Rwanda for their last game of the pool on May 22nd at 9 PM GMT to decide who’s the number 1 of Group A.
