Temps de lecture : 2 mn 🕗
YAOUNDE (Cameroon)-There were some stunning results as teams in the West Division got into action in Day 1 of the “Elite 16” at the Yaounde Sports complex in Cameroon. Algerian giants G.S.P cruised past a courageous AS Nigelec team from Niger 115-89.
There was an adrenaline-charged game as AS Police scrapped a narrow 78-77 victory over A.B.C of Cote d’Ivoire. Manga BB demonstrated that their 60-59 win over BC Mazembe in the previous round via a buzz beater was no fluke as they tamed the Congolese heavyweights 98-70 while host F.A.P and their fans have been left gnashing their teeth after being stunned 95-92 by Libyan side Al Naser.
These entertaining results were initiated by some stellar performances and here are the top five players who gave fans an amazing time.
Mohamed Ali Haidar (AL Naser)
Playing against the hosts and their vociferous crowd usually comes with the sort of pressure rival players are wary of but not Mohamed Ali Haidar. The 29-year-old was a marvel to watch playing against host F.A.P . The 2.01m (6ft7in) Power Forward recorded a double double with an incredible game-high 39 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists in 37 minutes to inspire his side to a crucial first win.
Timothy Kwaor (Nigelec)
There are days when things just seem not to click into gear and Day 1 of the Elite 16 was one of such days for Timothy Kwaor. The 23-year-old point guard contributed a third of his team’s tally churning a game best 29 points despite being on the losing end. If on offense Kwaor was a phenomenon, he did put work on defence getting a rebound in a game that seemed to be another regular day in office for Kwaor.
Mohamed Touati (G.S.P)
If Timothy Kwaor’s remarkable efforts looked futile, it was down to Mohamed Touati. The 2.16m (7ft1in) Center netted 10 of his 14 field goals, present from coast to coast with 4 offensive rebounds and 4 defensive rebounds as well as demonstrating the sort of leadership that’s inherent in modern day basketball.
Stephane Konate (A.B.C)
Konate can be proud of himself. He demonstrated the sort of resilience that produces fireworks in basketball taking his team on his shoulders and scoring an incredible 33 points as his side fell short of good result by one points. Even when the situation looked desolate, the A.B.C captain kept believing and his 3 pointer buzz beater at the end of the game against AS Police could have been a game changer, had it come earlier. There’s no doubt there’s still some magic to come from him.
Ibrahim Cherif Haidara (AS Police)
Haidara was all smiles after the game against A.B.C because he was unstoppable. His 22 points and 9 rebounds were crucial in securing the Mali outfit an important win. He was rated an efficiency of 27 for his dazzling displays.
Four games are slated for Day 2 of the Elite 16.
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FIBA
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