Nigeria’s representative, Kwara Falcons, did not get off to the best start at their maiden appearance in the 2023 Basketball Africa League.
The reigning Nigeria Premier Basketball League champions were defeated 64-48 by last year’s BAL quarterfinalists, Rwanda Energy Group BBC (REG), at the Dakar Arena on Sunday.
What a good start!????@regbbcofficial register its first WIN by defeating @KwaraFalcons 64-48 @theBAL Sahara Conference.
Keep up the ENERGY!???? pic.twitter.com/4M7rGsIyJ4
— FERWABA ???????????? (@ferwabaRW) March 12, 2023
REG took an early seven point lead in the first quarter to end with a 16-9 score line. The Falcons, however, had a better second quarter, going 20-15 to reduce the deficit to just four points heading into the break.
The team from Rwanda regrouped and looked better in the second half with solid defense and an even better offense as they won the third and fourth quarters with a 33-19 score.
Jawad Adekoya led the Falcons in scoring with 15 points along with three 3-pointers, while Anthony Wilson Jr. added seven points.
American basketballer Delwan Graham led both teams in scoring with a 16-point and 12-rebound double-double for REG. The 34-year-old shot 5 of 11 from the field and scored six of his eleven free throws.
Cleveland Joseph Thomas Jr. with 14 points, along with two threes and Adonis Filer (10 points), combined for 24 points as REG cruised to an emphatic win.
Miodrag Perisic’s side had more rebounds (48-45), more assists (22-12), and more blocks (8-2) than their Nigerian counterpart, indicating their total dominance in the game.
Kwara Falcons will hope they can kick-start their tournament when they face Mali’s Stade Malien on Tuesday, while REG will battle Abidjan Basket Club on the same day.
