BAL: Rivers Hoopers eliminated by Al Ahly in semifinal

In their semifinal debut, Nigeria's Rivers Hoopers came devastatingly close to making it to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) championship but ultimately lost 89-83 in overtime to Al Ahly of Libya.

The Nigerian team had a slow start, but they rebounded admirably to force overtime and tie the game at 73-73 at the end of the fourth quarter.

Star player Lula Acuil of South Sudan stole the show, winning MVP with a huge 27-point performance that eclipsed Nigeria's Kelvin Amayo's previous supremacy.

Leading 27–21 at the end of the first quarter, the Libyans increased their lead to 48–37 at the half.

But in the third quarter, the Kingsmen pulled off a stunning comeback, overcoming the deficit to take a 60-56 lead.

The Libyans rallied in the fourth quarter to level the score and force overtime, undoing all of their hard work.

The final ticket hopes of the Rivers Hoopers were dashed when the Libyans drew away in the extra period, winning by a score of six points.

Rivers Hoopers pushed their opponents to the limit and displayed incredible resiliency and fighting spirit in spite of the defeat.

With 26 points, Kelvin Amayo led the Nigerian scoring, followed by Will Perry with 25 and Devine Eke with 15 points.

Lual Acuil scored 27 points to lead Al Ahly's surge and win MVP honors.