The 2023 Southern Conference season of the Basketball League (BAL) kicked off on Saturday, and Nigeria’s representative Kwara Falcons started their continental campaign with a defeat.
They were defeated by the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) 2022 quarter-finalists at the Dakar arena on Sunday afternoon.
Kwara Falcons lost 48-64 to Champions Rwanda to start their continental campaign with a losing record.
Kwara United, the NBBF champions of the super championship eight years ago in Lagos, won two of the four quarters but trailed in the third quarter 8-24, a deficit they could not regain in the quarter, which they won 11-9.
The Falcons started well, led by Jawad Adekoya, who made three-point shots and led the attack, which scored six points before the Rwandan team got on the scoreboard.
Delwan Graham led the charge for REG as he scored 12 straight points before Nigeria got another basket. The first quarter ended 16-9 in favor of the Rwandan side.
The Falcons reduced the deficit to two points in the second quarter with a score of 20-15, while the Nigerian pulled two points from Rwanda as the second quarter ended 31-29.
The third quarter was a disaster as the Falcons were outscored 24-8. With the damage done, the Falcons pipped REG 11-9 in the fourth quarter, which gave REG a 64-48 victory.
READ ALSO: NBBF Super 8 Finals: Rivers Hoopers, Kwara Falcons remain unbeaten
Adekoya was the only Falcon in double figures, with 15 points, followed by Anthony Wilson Jr., who chipped in with seven. But Wilson Jr. revealed to the BAL website that the Falcons will come out fighting in the second game, which is against Stade De Malien on Saturday.
“One game doesn’t define us. We have to fix what needs to be fixed and come to the next game,” Wilson Jr. said.
“Anything can happen. We have proven that we belong here,” added Wilson Jr. Kwara Falcons must avoid this defeat when they face Stade De Malien on Monday, March 13, at the same venue.
Support journalism integrity and credibility PREMIUM TIMES
Good journalism costs a lot of money. But only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, responsible democracy, and transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider making a modest contribution to this noble effort.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help keep journalism relevant and ensure it remains free and available to all.
contribute
AD TEXT: Call Willie – +2348098788999
