Fula redeems Fukash as Police outscore SOA

YAOUNDE (Cameroon) - DR Congo's BC Espoir Fukash made amends for their faux pas in their group opener against Nigelec BC in the Elite 16 Division West with a convincing 104-89 win over SLAC of Guinea.

Espoir Fukash hit the ground running from tip-off cruising to a 26-14 lead in the first quarter before widening the gap to 18 by the time both sides headed to the locker room with the Congolese giants cruising 52-35.

Fukash guard Rolly Fula, who churned 16 points against Nigelec BC, was on fire, coming from the bench to hit a stupendous 27 points and grabbing 11 boards.

The 28-year old was impeccable on the charity stripe, converting all four attempts to inspire Espoir Fukash to a 75-65 lead in the third quarter.

Rolly Fula (Espoir Fukash)

Fula's teammate Ben Ilunga had a day to remember sinking 26 points with 18 of those coming from beyond the arc. Arsene Mwana and Bobo Kasongo hit double digits as well to keep their side ahead.

But SLAC came close courtesy of Dane Miller's genius. The forward's 27 points cut the Guinean side's deficit to six points at the start of the fourth quarter.

The trio of Hans Ntamack, Dioumba Mara and Mamadou Keita contributed a combined 41 points for SLAC.

Espoir Fukash held on, out-rebounding SLAC 54-28, to improve to 1-1 in Group G2 of Elite 16 Division West.

"We needed this win to remain confident and galvanized. We want to continue this way throughout the tournament," Fula told FIBA.basketball at the end of the game.

In the highly anticipated game of the day between Mali champions AS Police and Cote d'Ivoire's SOA, the former prevailed  in what turned out to be a tight contest.

AS Police poised on picking up a first win struggled against Ivorian side SOA.

The Ivorians ran the court during the first quarter as Daquan Cook hit eight points with three rebounds to see them secure a 17-16 lead in the first quarter.

Veteran Stephane Konate brought his basketballing wit to the floor churning an incredible 14 points to enable AS Police keep a tight leash on SOA as the second quarter closed at 40-37.

AS Police returned to the court with a greater zeal, maintaining a scoring run of 10 points to close the third quarter at 58-55.

Convinced that a maiden win in the Road to Basketball Africa League (BAL) was in the offing, AS Police played energetically, scoring 19 points from fast break before out-rebounding SOA 44-41.

Konate extended his tally to 18 as Benke Diarouma scored a double-double, clinching 10 boards and firing 11 points.

Stephane Kokoun kept SOA afloat with 16 points but his efforts weren't enough as the Ivorian side bowed 85-70 to suffer their second defeat.

"This is a good result for us going into our next game," AS Police captain Stephane Konate, said.

"Now we have to fight for the leadership of the group against FAP. They're a very good team but we want close this first phase in good form."

On Monday, AS Nigelec will come up against SLAC while FAP and AS Police will face off for the leadership of Group G1.

FIBA