ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - Business as usual for revamped Al Ahli Tripoli Sport, but a huge shocking result marked the opening day of the 2025 Road to BAL West Division Elite 16 in Abidjan on Tuesday, November 5.
And, at the end of the opening day in Abidjan, Al Ahli Tripoli remains as the only undefeated team in the West Division.
FIBA.basketball looks back at how things unfolded at Palais de Sports Treichville in Abidjan.
Tripoli too much for Barrolle
Although Libyan champions Al Ahli Tripoli Sport landed in Abidjan with a relatively revamped roster, compared to the team that finished 2-0 last month in Tripoli, Fouad Chakra were ruthless, trouncing Liberia's Mighty Barrolle 99-75.
Al Ahli Tripoli dominated from start to finish, making the events look more like a one-sided affair where new recruit Deng Angok Yak Deng was the most impactful player.
A 56-31 lead at halftime and a 26-point advantage at some points in the game, reflected Al Ahli Tripoli's complete dominance.
The South Sudanese forward finished with a game-high of 25 points on a 10-for-17 shooting, which included a 5-for-9 from behind the arc. He added 8 rebounds and 4 assists to introduce himself to the competition.
Deng was seconded by Kavell Bigby-Williams who contributed 20 points and 8 rebounds, and Kevin Murphy, who has joined the team, came up with 23 points and 8 rebounds.
17-year-old Anthony Quadri led Barrolle in scoring with 17 points and Omar Samba added 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Moanda Basket stun Chaux
What a difference a week makes?
On October 29, Chaux Sports outclassed Moanda Basket 79-76 in Douala during Group C action. Fast forward to Tuesday, November 5, and it was a totally different ball game with the Gabonese champions, who received a wild card, ending Chaux Sport's unbeaten run.
The DR Congo champions arrived in Abidjan with a respectable 4-0 mark, but are now 4-1 following a 72-65 loss to Moanda Basket.
Rachez Missouma inspired Moanda Basket with a team-high 21 points and 11 rebounds.
KSA outlast Spintex
In an evenly-matched encounter, Kadji Sport Academy (KSA) struck their final blow in the fourth quarter (29-20) to see off a stubborn Spintex Knight 84-71.
Levelled 39-39 at the break, the Cameroonian players relied on its bench to change the course of events as it outscored Spintex reserves' 34-14.
James Amote came up with a game-high 16 points, added 9 rebounds and dished out 5 assists for Spintex, but his effort wasn't enough to deny KSA.
Stade Malien outlast hosts ABC in OT
N'fali Kanoute hit a three-pointer with five seconds left before Nisre Nzouazou had a superb chance to close the game out for ABC Fighters, but he missed his two free-throws sending the game to overtime at 75-75.
In the extra five minutes, the Malian champions prevailed 90-80.
Stade Malien's win over ABC ended the hosts' unbeaten run this season.
FIBA