Nairobi City Thunder strike historic ticket to BAL
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 02.12.24. | 22:36
The win means Thunder are the first Kenyan side to qualify for Africa's premier basketball club competition in its five-year history
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League champions Nairobi City Thunder have etched their name into the annals of history after sealing a place in the prestigious Basketball Africa League (BAL) following a 72-62 victory over City Oilers.
The win means Thunder are the first Kenyan side to qualify for Africa's premier basketball club competition in its five-year history.
The Bradley Ibs-coached side have been flawless in the East Division Elite 16, booking their place in the final without tasting any defeat and making full use of the home advantage.
Thunder won their opening two matches in the Elite 16 102-59 against MBB and 104-71 to Kriols before a 91-68 show against the Malawians.
Match Report
Israel Otobo opened action with Parrish Petty giving Oilers a 4-2 lead but Uche Iroegbu grabbed the lead at 7-6, Tylor Ongwae dropping a trey to stretch their lead to 10-06, Ater Majok doubling the lead at 16-08 with two minutes to play in the period. The quarter ended 18-11.
A 5-0 run for the hosts in the opening minute of the second saw them take a double-digit lead at 23-11, Petty going back-to-back from behind the arc for 23-18. Four treys down the stretch, two for each side ending the half 34-26 in favour of Thunder.
🔥 ANOTHER HISTORY MADE! ✍️
— Road To BAL (@roadtoBAL) December 2, 2024
🇰🇪 @nct_basketball become the second #RoadToBAL debutant team in the east to reach #theBAL as they defeat @cityoilers 72 - 62! 💯#Elite16 pic.twitter.com/YfDR5BQtIh
In a game of runs, the Ugandans went on a 6-0 one off the locker rooms to come to within a basket of Thunder but Ibs charges pulled away for 41-32, but Oilers refused to go as they came threateningly close at 41-40 with yet another run involving the lethal shooting Petty. Thunder were, however, able to regroup for a nervy 54-45 with a buzzer-beating treble from Garang Diing.
Falando Cortez Jones, in quick succession, shot from behind the arc down the stretch in the final quarter to bring Oilers 66-60, Roger Dauna adding a basket for a four-point game. However, the Ugandans could not reel in the hosts to turn the tide in their favour.
Iroegbu was a true floor general against Oilers, dropping 16, points, one less than the top scorer, providing six assists while picking five rebounds and four steals. For a game-high 27 in efficiency, the American-Nigerian he only gave away the ball once, adding two blocks for a perfect show.
Majok's double-double on 17 points and 10 rebounds pushed the home side ahead, despite his 7 turnovers.
