Surprises as SOA, SLAC record wins in Game Day 1 of Division West
It was a day of surprises on the opening day of the Road To BAL 2022 of Division West in Conakry as Cote d' Ivoire's Societe Omnisport de L'Armee (SOA) continued their fairy tale run defeating AS Nigelec.
CONAKRY (Guinea) - It was a day of surprises on the opening day of the Road To BAL 2022 of Division West in Conakry as Cote d' Ivoire champions Societe Omnisport de L'Armee (SOA) continued their fairy tale run defeating AS Nigelec in a thrilling encounter that ended 64-51.
The Ivoiren side started the game on a fast tempo and took a comfortable lead into the second half of the game. Though, AS Nigelec who reached the second of the Qualifiers last year, stepped up their game it was not enough to see their opponents off.
SOA have the duo of Rodrigue Ebondo Tambwe and Loukou Oka to thank for as they both contributed 12 points apiece to ensure victory.
On the part on AS Nigelec Kator Shadrach Gar (12 points) and Mahamadou Seydou Moussa (10 points) did their best to pull their team back into the game but their late rally was not good enough.
Guinea national champions SLAC had their fans on the edge of their seats but it was not for the worst as they surprised Malian side AS Police in a keenly contested game that ended 95-93.
AS Police shooting guard and Cote d' Ivoire Captain Stephane Konate brought his experience to bear showing class in the game in which he recorded 31 points to lead the floor but it was SLAC that had the last laugh thanks to their American import Dane Miller JR. who scored 24 points to lead the score sheet for his side.
His compatriot Michael D'Souza Poole added 22 points on the night for victory.
On Saturday, ASPAC of Benin will test their might against the rampaging SOA of Cote d' Ivoire who would be seeking a second win in Group B while it would be rest day for SLAC and AS Police in Group A.
FIBA