Latest news with #2025BasketballAfricaLeague
TimesLIVE
09-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Top seeds Ittihad survive FUS scare to reach BAL semis, Al Ahli also through
No 1 seeds Al Ittihad Alexandria needed to overcome emotion, uncertainty, and nerve-racking moments to stay in contention in the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs. The Egyptian giants needed an extra five minutes to defeat a team they had demolished twice during the 2025 Kalahari Conference, prevailing 86—83 in their quarterfinal against FUS Rabat at Sunbet Arena in Pretoria on Sunday night in overtime in a game that could have gone either way. For the second time this season, Al Ittihad escaped with a three-point victory under similar circumstances to their 72-69 win over Stade Malien. In both games, Ittihad never led by more than 10 points — a rarity considering their dominance throughout the regular season. Nisre Zouzoua extended Rabat's season by five minutes with his three-pointer that tied the game at 74—74 with two seconds left. WHAT. A. WILD. GAME 😱 Al Ittihad wins by 3 to reach the semi-finals! 🤯 @castlelitesa Game Summary! #BAL5 — Basketball Africa League (@theBAL) June 8, 2025 However, in the remaining five minutes, the Moroccan champions shot themselves in the foot. They shot 2-for-7 from the floor, made just 3 of their 8 free throws, and turned the ball over twice. With their BAL season on the line — having lost the 2025 Egyptian League title to Al Ahly SC the previous week — Al Ittihad capitalised on Rabat's mistakes, delivering the final blow and securing their spot in the semifinals in just their first season. In the process, the Alexandria-based club improved their season record to 8—0. 'This is a wake-up call for us. I'm just glad this wake-up call came early in the quarterfinals. It's a good reminder to stay focused,' said Al Ittihad forward Youssef Aboushousha. Sunday's game was nothing like the previous two, in which Al Ittihad outscored FUS 71-60 and 98-74. HEAD AT THE RIM 🔥🔥🔥 @FlyRwandAir Dunk of the Game! #BAL5 — Basketball Africa League (@theBAL) June 8, 2025 'That's what the BAL is all about. Last year, it was either the fifth or sixth seed that made it to the finals,' said FUS Rabat guard Jonathan Jordan, who led all players in scoring with 23 points. 'We had to find a way to finish the game. A lot of that responsibility falls on me as the point guard and primary scorer. You have to be big in big moments like these.' Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. and Kyle Vinales each scored 16 points. Lual-Acuil Jr. also grabbed 11 rebounds, earning his second double-double of the playoffs. Majok Deng came off the bench to add 15 points, reminding everyone of his productivity throughout the season. Aboushousha said Ittihad must stay humble if they are to become the third Egyptian team to win the league title in five seasons. 'Some media outlets say we are the best team in Africa, but other teams can have a good game on a given night and eliminate you. That's the BAL,' said the Egyptian international. WHITE Jr DOES IT ALL!! 🤯🤯🤯 #BAL5 — Basketball Africa League (@theBAL) June 8, 2025 Al Ittihad meet the winner of Monday's quarterfinal between US Monastir and Petro de Luanda in the semifinals. In Sunday's earlier quarterfinal, Kriol Star did everything they could to contain Fabian White Jnr, but the Al-Ahli Tripoli forward was unstoppable. It was a do-or-die game for both teams, but Al Ahli Tripoli secured the first ticket to the 2025 BAL semifinals beating Kriol Star 107—81, becoming the second Libyan team since Al Ahly Ly to reach the Last Four. White Jnr shot from every corner of the floor, blocked shots, created scoring opportunities for his teammates, and disrupted Kriol Star's offense in various ways. He finished with a 39-efficiency rating thanks to his 34 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, and one block, helping Al Ahli improve to 7-1. White Jnr's teammate Assem Marei, who sat out their seeding game loss to Al Ittihad Alexandria and scored the opening basket with a rotation over Lewis Uvwo, contributed hugely, finishing with 13 points and 13 rebounds. The Libyan champions looked nothing like the team that appeared powerless for most of their 85-74 loss to Al Ittihad 48 hours earlier. In fact, Fouad Abou Chakra's team stepped onto the floor with desperation, never trailing throughout the game. Our defence was tight and locked, and we were ready to hoop today. That's how we won the game Fabian White Jnr One of Kriol's strongest assets, three-point shooting, was nonexistent for most of the game. They shot 3-for-24 from deep; their third and final three-pointer came at the final buzzer from Luis Teixeira. Joel Ntambwe led the Creoles in scoring with 25 points. Jalan McCloud added 19, and Joel and Ivan Almeida each contributed 16 in the losing effort. One of the biggest differences between the two teams was the contribution of their benches, with Al Ahli Tripoli outscoring Kriol Star 26-3. White Jnr explained to how he delivered an incredible performance. 'Our defence was tight and locked, and we were ready to hoop today. That's how we won the game,' he said. The loss marks the end of the 2025 BAL season for Kriol Star while Al Ahli Tripoli take on the winner of Monday's quarter Rivers Hoopers and APR.
The South African
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Cassper Nyovest to light up BAL Playoffs in Pretoria
The 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs and Finals are set to electrify Pretoria from 6 to 14 June. A star-studded lineup of South African musical talent is taking centre stage during halftime shows at the SunBet Arena. This marks the first time the BAL playoffs and finals will be hosted in South Africa. This is a milestone that promises to blend thrilling basketball action with vibrant cultural celebrations. Award-winning hip hop sensation Cassper Nyovest will ignite the opening night on 6 June. He will perform during the seeding game between Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya), led by former NBA player Jaylen Adams, and Al Ittihad (Egypt). They will be led by ex-NBA player George King according to the NBA . Cassper's high-energy show is expected to set the tone for the entire tournament. Other top South African artists will light up the stage throughout the playoffs. Ch'cco, Aymos, Blxckie, Bassie, Maglera Doe Boy, and Focalistic will all perform during halftime. This ensures that every game is a feast for both basketball and music lovers. Blxckie will perform on 7 June during the US Monastir vs Rivers Hoopers game. Aymos will take the stage during the second semifinal on 11 June. The finals on 14 June will feature Maglera Doe Boy and Focalistic, promising a grand closing celebration. BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall expressed excitement about this new chapter. 'The league has seen tremendous growth over the first four seasons. Hosting the playoffs and finals in Pretoria will build on that momentum and further showcase the level of talent and passion for basketball in Africa.' He emphasised how the event will be a celebration of African excellence on and off the court. The BAL Fan Zone at SunBet Arena will offer a lively atmosphere beyond the games. Fans can enjoy official BAL merchandise, delicious food and drinks, DJ performances, and interactive entertainment. This will create a full-day experience for attendees. The 2025 BAL season features 12 club teams from across Africa, including South Africa's own Made by Basketball (MBB). Sam Vincent, the 1986 NBA champion, coaches the MBB team. The playoffs will showcase the continent's best, with teams such as Al Ittihad (Egypt), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), US Monastir (Tunisia), and Petro de Luanda (Angola) competing for the title. For South African fans, this is a celebration of culture, music, and basketball coming home. As Cassper Nyovest put it, 'Bringing my music to the BAL playoffs in Pretoria feels like a full-circle moment. It's where sport meets culture, and I can't wait to share that energy with my people.' With basketball thrills and unforgettable halftime shows, the 2025 BAL Playoffs and Finals promise to be a landmark event in South Africa's sporting and entertainment calendar. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
