Rwanda Energy Group Basketball Club, REG BBC finishes the 2023 BAL Sahara Conference in third position while the reigning champions US Monastrienne are out after losing their final game to AS Douanes 76-60. Stade Malien was crowned champions.
Prior to the last day, US Monastir had won three of four games and believed to have secured a playoff spot. However, head-to-head points differential determined the outcome since five of the six teams, including Monastir, ended with three victories and two defeats. Because of their close score margins, US Monastrienne, the defending champions got eliminated from contention.
March 21, 2023, in Dakar Arena, The Senegalese representative took over US Monastrienne 76-60 during their last outing in the Sahara Conference. The defending champions, US Monastir needed to beat AS Douanes to qualify or lose by less than ten points.
The hosts were super motivated in front of their home supporters and AS Douanes’ Chris Crawford showed no mercy to his former club by dropping 28 points in the win. Thus, AS Douanes will be part of the Final 8 of the Basketball Africa League.
ABC Fighters of Côte d’Ivoire, Stade Malien of Mali, and REG of Rwanda joined AS Douanes as the other 3 clubs to make it to the playoffs. The remaining four teams will be determined at the Nile Conference in Cairo.
Stade Malien tops the 2023 Basketball Africa League Sahara Conference following a well-deserved 90-71 against ABC Fighters. The Malians ended the campaign on a high note as they beat REG BBC, the 2022 Sahara Conference winners, and overcome ABC Fighters on the last day to shock the whole conference. Stade Malien was lagging in fifth position before the final day.
Souleymane Berthé was outstanding in this conference’s games as he averaged 20.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.8 steals. He was Stade Malien’s lead scorer and his immense contribution helped his team not only to qualify but also win the conference.
Now the focus has turned from Dakar to Cairo where the six Nile Conference clubs will be vying for their playoff spots.
Eight teams from Sahara and Nile Conferences will compete in a single-elimination Playoffs and Final with the winner crowned the third BAL champion.
The 2023 playoffs will be played in Kigali’s BK Arena from May 21–27.
