Rivers Hoopers were on Thursday in Kigali condemned to a 70-99 loss to US Monastir of Tunisia in their second Group A game at the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
The Port Harcourt side, who are Nigeria’s sole representatives at the BAL holding in Rwanda had lost their first game 80-63 on Sunday to home side Patriots of Rwanda.
Former Toronto Raptors guard Ben Uzoh and Chris Daniels both combined for 45 points, in what was an improved performance from the team.
US Monastir had started the game on a bright note, leading the first quarter 24-12.
Royal Hoopers fought harder in the third quarter and did outscore their opponents with 25-21.
Daniels had the team’s best performances of the tournament by scoring a double-double, 25 points 11 rebounds plus shooting 4/7 from the three-point line and 5/6 from the free throw line.
He was closely followed by D’Tigers’ Uzoh who added 20 points.
Victor Anthony added some defensive spark with four blocks.
Rivers Hoopers can still qualify for the next stage however.
They will need an emphatic victory against GNBC of Madagascar on Sunday to end up as one of the two best losers and scale through.
The match is slated for 1 p.m Nigerian time,
