NAIROBI (Kenya)- Abdoulaye Harouna's calm and collected demeanour, even under pressure, came to Thunder's aid as the Nigerien International pushed Nairobi City Thunder (NCT) to a 102-59 victory over MBB Blue Soldiers of South Africa.
His game-high 18 points came in crucial moments when the Kenyan side was playing catch-up in the opening two quarters, having trailed 19-17 in the opening stanza that had the Cyril Shabalala-coached side taking an early 8-0 before the hosts pulled back for 8-5 in the opening five minutes.
The initial stages of the second quarter were closely fought but NCT managed to go on a run, assume lead and push for a 29-22 scoreline after 15 minutes of play. Bradley Ibs' charges kept going, extending their advantage to 11 at the end of the period with a 19-15 run in the last five minutes of the game.
It was a game of runs as MBB went on one, off the locker rooms, to come to within three at 55-52, forcing NCT to dig deep to keep their advantage. It was the defensive wing's chance to go to work, denying MBB in a 15-2 show for a commanding 70-54. A 32-05 in NCT's favour for the final stanza sealed MBB's fate.
Harouna led the charge for NCT, combining with Garang Doing who finished with 16 as Kennedy Wachira and Albert Odero came off the bench to push the stats with 15 a piece. Neo Mothiba was coach Shabalala's best scorer with 14, four more than Marcus Mokwena.
"We had a slow start but was we settled in after the opening quarter it was a great finish. Winning and seeing the fans happy is what w play for and this has been a great night," Harouna offered after the game.
Explaining their nervy start, the shooting guard, who has played in all previous four BAL editions and comes loaded with experience for NCT who are chasing history for Kenya, said: "MBB made some tough shots in the first quarter but we knew they could not sustain that for long. We took charge in the second quarter through to the last for the victory."
Harouna says NCT will take it one game at a time with their focus on Monday night (when the semis will be played).
On Friday MBB take on Bravehearts in search of their maiden Elite 16 win while the hosts play Cape Verde's Kriol Star, either side chasing a 2-0 run.
FIBA