Rivers Hoopers defeat Stade Malien in BAL season five opener

Nigeria basketball league champions Rivers Hoopers tipped off their Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2025 season in emphatic style, cruising to an 81–60 victory over Mali’s Stade Malien in their opening game of the Kalahari Conference.

The Port Harcourt-based team delivered a statement performance powered by Kelvin Amayo, who led all Hoopers scorers with 19 points and 2 assists, while Maduc Akec put up a commanding double-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists.

New signing Raphiael Putney added 14 points, while Maxi Munanga contributed 11 points and 4 assists as the KingsMen showed depth, defensive organization, and cohesion throughout the encounter. 

Peter  Olisemeka anchored the glass with a game-high 12 rebounds, solidifying Rivers Hoopers' dominance in the paint.

Stade Malien, runners-up in the 2023 BAL, struggled to find rhythm beyond standout efforts from Mohamed Coulibaly (20 points) and Mamadou Doumbya (18 points, 11 rebounds).

With this commanding win, Rivers Hoopers now shift focus to their next matchup against FUS Rabat on Sunday as they look to continue their historic run in the competition.

Written by Queen John-Moseph