Nigeria basketball league champions Rivers Hoopers tipped off their Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2025 season in emphatic style, cruising to an 81–60 victory over Mali’s Stade Malien in their opening game of the Kalahari Conference.
The Port Harcourt-based team delivered a statement performance powered by Kelvin Amayo, who led all Hoopers scorers with 19 points and 2 assists, while Maduc Akec put up a commanding double-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists.
New signing Raphiael Putney added 14 points, while Maxi Munanga contributed 11 points and 4 assists as the KingsMen showed depth, defensive organization, and cohesion throughout the encounter.
Advertisement