- Result: Urunani 82-90 Kriol Star
Kriol Star clinched a coveted spot in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) after a thrilling 90-82 victory over Urunani on Monday at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi.
Urunani entered the game as strong favourites, having pulled off a dramatic comeback against the City Oilers, overturning a 22-point deficit to win in overtime.
However, the Cape Verdean side, Kriol Star, delivered a stunning upset with an electrifying second-half performance.
Patrick McGlynn spearheaded Kriol Star’s attack, scoring a game-high 35 points and taking charge when it mattered most.
He was well-supported by Dieudonne Ndayisaba (21 points) and Maurice Richardson (16 points) to complete the double-digit contributions.
Despite strong individual performances from Urunani’s Mohammed Doubya, who recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Landry Ndikumana, with 13 points and 10 rebounds, the Burundian side could not contain Kriol Star’s relentless energy.
Urunani started strong, building a six-point lead (18-12) by the end of the first quarter and extending it to nine points (37-28) at halftime.
However, the tide shifted dramatically in the third quarter as Kriol Star unleashed a 32-20 run, seizing a three-point lead heading into the final period.
The Cape Verdeans maintained their momentum, closing the game with an eight-point margin and erupting in jubilant celebrations at the final whistle.
With the hard-fought victory, Kriol Star not only defied expectations but also earned their ticket to the prestigious BAL.
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