BAL Elite 16: Odero's lightening performance sends unbeaten Thunder to semis

Hosts Nairobi City Thunder picked a dramatic win in their second match of the Road to Basketball Africa League (BAL) East Division Elite 16 to head to the all-important semis unbeaten, Kenya Morans' ace Albert Odero leading the charge.

The reigning Kenyan champions defeated tournament favourites Johannesburg Giants 86-83, the intense clash not only securing NCT’s place at the top of Group A but also serving as a prelude to the semifinals, living up to the tag of a “final before the final.”

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

In the closing moments, with just 11 seconds remaining, Odero was fouled. On the inbound, while anticipating a foul to earn free throws, he instead executed a daring move, spinning past two defenders before unleashing a thunderous dunk that sealed the win.

The Giants had one last chance to tie, but Dhieu Abwok Deing and Pieter Prinsloo’s deep shots missed the mark, handing NCT a crucial victory.

Deaflympics: Women’s basketball coach provides remedy after torrid outing as swimming makes false start

Odero’s heroics were complemented by a stellar partnership with Tylor Ongwae, who contributed 18 points. The duo combined for 39 points, with Odero scoring 21 despite a slow start, shooting efficiently from within and adding a crucial three-pointer.

Ongwae, renowned for his sharpshooting, tallied four 18 points, despite a modest 2-of-8 conversion rate from beyond the arc.

The game saw several momentum shifts. NCT’s explosive start with an 8-0 run electrified the home crowd, with four starters contributing early points.

Led by Ongwae’s quick responses, the hosts built a commanding lead. Chase Adams and Ariel Okall adding crucial baskets, helping NCT take a 44-35 advantage into halftime.

Two costly turnovers for NCT as the third quarter got underway saw Joshua Eromosele Ozabor and Dhieu Abwok Deing punish the hosts for 46-42, the duo striking again moments later to make it a one-point game at 48-47.

Lance Thomas' steal, missing his dunk attempt but getting to the offensive rebound for a putback. Prinsloo, however, tied the game at 50 from deep.

Ongwae responded to restore NCT's lead to three, Odero scoring four more for 61-44 as the quarter ended 21-17 in favour of the Giants, who trailed by seven heading to the final stanza.

New completion date for Talanta Stadium announced as construction reaches 66% [VIDEO]

The final quarter saw NCT’s resilience shine through. Odero and Ongwae’s back-to-back baskets pushed the lead to 67-56, but the Giants responded fiercely.

Deing’s deep shots and Ozabor’s fastbreak dunk kept the game close. Coach Bradley Ibs made strategic adjustments, reintroducing Eugene Adera, whose speed and transition plays helped restore NCT’s lead to 75-66.

With the game on the line, Deing once again brought Johannesburg within a single point at 84-83. However, Odero’s final dunk, with seconds ticking away, put the game beyond reach, ensuring victory for the hosts.

Free-agent Clifton Miheso reveals plans after parting ways with AFC Leopards

“On that final foul, we knew all we had to do was hold the ball down, and they would foul. When I did the spin, I didn’t expect the basket to be that wide open.

I just went for it out of instinct," Odero said after the match, adding, “It’s a hard-fought win today. We had a few chances to close the game in the final quarter, but they kept fighting.

I'm just glad the team kept locked in to get this win. Now we are just focusing on winning the semis and getting back to the BAL."