Tunisia’s US Monastir has been crowned the Champions of the second edition and 2022 BAL at the expense of Petro Luanda. The Tunisians redeemed themselves after losing the final of the first edition against Zamalek.
A magnificent team, a season to remember for US Monastir. After the national championship and the Tunisian Cup, they have achieved the historic treble by winning the second edition of the Basketball Africa League. They came from behind to win the BAL title, defeating Angola’s Petro de Luanda 83-72 in the championship game in Kigali at a full crowded BK Arena.
Trailing by 7 points at the break (18-17, 15-23), the Tunisian Champions came back strong to dominate the last two quarters (24-19, 26-13) and secure their first-ever Africa Clubs Championship. For more detailed statistics of the game, follow this link
Led by Serbian tactician, Miodrag Perišić, Union Sportive Monastrienne will be remembered to have ended Zamalek’s 12 unbeaten game streak in Basketball Africa League history. US Monastir had advanced to the final by knocking off defending BAL champions Zamalek.
Georgian international, born in the USA, Michael Andre Dixon’s performance in this tournament was unparalleled. At 31, he was averaging 16.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 21 minutes per game. He came impressively this Saturday, May 28, in the final against Petro Luanda too. Dixon scored 21 pts and delivered 6 assists in 35 minutes spent on the court. The US Monastir Guard was named the 2022 BAL Hakeem Olajuwon MVP Award.
In other individual awards, Dixon’s team-mate and Lebanon International, Ater James Majok received Dikembe Mutombo Defensive Player of the year. AS Salé’s Terrel Stoglin is a top scorer and averaging 30.8 points per game, the Manute Bol Sportsmanship award goes to Anas Mahmoud from Zamalek while the BAL Coach of the Year is Jose Neto of Petro Luanda.
In the other recognitions, The All-BAL defensive Team is made of Childe Dunda (Petro Luanda), Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza (REG), Aboubacar Gakou (Petro Luanda), Brice Dias (FAP), and Ater Majok (Monastir).
All-BAL First Team : Edgar Sosa (Zamalek), Terrel De Stoglin (AS Salé), Carlos Morais (Petro Luanda), Radhouane Slimane (US Monastir), Ater James Majok (US Monastir)
The Ivorian guard Souleyman Diabate becomes the first player to win two BAL titles. He won it with Zamalek last year and now US Monastir.
