Najeal Young (26 points, 13 rebounds), Anthony Miller Jr (24 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists) and Emeka Nwabuzo (23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists), Ismaël Sousa Nurmamade (20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists) and Bourama Sidibé (19 points, 15 rebounds) were the top scorers of this 5th day of the BAL 2023 Nil Conference. However, these snipers did not have the same success with their respective clubs.
Young, Sousa and Sidibé boost Ferroviario
Ferroviario Beira took the 3rd place in the Nile Conference at the BAL 2023 after their win over Cape Town Tigers (82-76). This victory was possible thanks to the contribution of three players: Najeal Young (26 points, 13 rebounds), Ismaël Sousa Nurmamade (20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists) and Bourama Sidibé (19 points, 15 rebounds). Their contribution has allowed the Mozambican club to remain in the race for the playoffs. They made forget William Kiah Perry, author of 9 points, 4 rebounds and 10 assists in this game. Ferroviario has its destiny in hand and will seek its qualification on Friday against City Oilers.
On the other side, Zaire Wade, boosted by the presence of his father Dwyane, had a good game with 17 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. But the best scorer of Cape Town is Michael Gbinije (20 points). 4th of the Conference, Cape Town will face Saturday City Oilers for a place in the quarterfinals.
Luanda's steamroller
Petro Luanda confirmed once again its status of favorite of the BAL 2023. The Angolan club signed a 4th victory in as many outings this Wednesday against Seydou Legacy Athletic Club (SLAC). This victory is special because the whole team played and scored, like the NBA Academy resident Seifeldin Hendawy (1 point, 1 rebound, 1mn18' of play). Petro is a team that lives well. The atmosphere is healthy on the bench. This makes the job easier for Jose Neto, the team's head coach.
In this team, everyone contributes, even the "older" ones like Damian Hollis (34 years old), Ater James Majok (35 years old) and Carlos Morais (37 years old), as well as one of the youngest Childe Dundão (24 years old).
This foursome was a factor in Petro Luanda's 95-75 victory over SLAC. Indeed, the pivot of South Sudanese origin, Ater James Majok, brought (15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists) in 25 minutes. MVP of the 2013 Afrobasket, Carlos Morais distinguished himself with 14 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists in 20 minutes. Childe Dundão (12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists) and Damian Hollis (11 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist) also blackened the score sheet.
On the other side, Anthony Miller Jr (24 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists), Emeka Nwabuzo (23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists) and Ismaël Condé (14 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists) tried to pull SLAC up, but the opponent was stronger. Quarter finalists in 2022, the Guineans have a "final" on Saturday against Al Ahly. A defeat would mean elimination.
Schedule of matches (GMT times)
Friday, May 5, 2023
13:00: Petro Luanda - Al Ahly
16:30: City Oilers - Ferroviario Beira
Saturday, May 6, 2023
13:00: Cape Town Tigers - City Oilers
16:30: Al Ahly - SLAC
Nile Conference standings after Matchday 5
1st: Petro Luanda (8 pts, +99)
2nd: Al Ahly (6 pts, +36)
3rd: Ferroviario Beira (6 pts, -25)
4th: Cape Town Tigers (5 pts, -54)
5th: SLAC (5 pts, -8)
6th : City Oilers (3 pts, -48)
