ABC Fighters secured a commanding 99-81 victory over Ghana's Spintex Knights in their second Road to BAL 2025 game in Tripoli, Libya. Determined to validate their opening win, the Fighters dominated in a crucial, high-stakes encounter.
Last Updated on
October 12, 2024
On Matchday 2 of the Road to BAL 2025, ABC Fighters extended their winning streak with a dominant 99-81 victory over Spintex Knights. After their vital opening win against Mighty Barolle Basketball Club, the Fighters aimed to prove it was no fluke. They succeeded, improving to 2-0 and moving closer to the Elite 16.
ABC Fighters controlled the game from the outset, racing to a 34-19 lead by the end of the first quarter, leaving the Spintex Knights struggling to keep pace. Jaylen Bland was instrumental, scoring 27 points and showcasing his shooting range and ability to finish at the rim.
Guard Karim Mane also delivered an all-around performance, posting 21 points, nine rebounds, and an impressive 11 assists, securing a double-double. His court vision was exceptional, as he consistently found open teammates and precisely facilitated the offence. Jabari Narcis further strengthened the team’s performance, adding another double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, dominating the boards on both ends of the court.
Despite ABC Fighters' strong start, the Spintex Knights regrouped after the first quarter and found ways to claw back into the game. The Knights adjusted defensively, tightening their rotations and nearly matching the Fighters' intensity in the second quarter. Spintex narrowly lost the period, being outscored by just two points (15-13), but ABC's early lead provided a cushion, allowing them to head into halftime with a 17-point advantage.
Spintex's resilience continued in the third quarter, led by James Amotoe, who recorded 22 points, six rebounds, and ten assists. The Knights outscored the Fighters 26-21, with Amotoe's playmaking crucial in their fightback. Desmond Cobblah added 18 points, while Ekpo Offiong Bassey contributed a hard-earned double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. However, despite their efforts, Spintex entered the fourth quarter trailing by 12 points, scoring 70-58.
True to their name, ABC Fighters responded to Spintex’s third-quarter surge by tightening up defensively in the final period. They applied more pressure on the perimeter, forcing tough shots and capitalising on turnovers. With a 29-23 run in the fourth quarter, the Fighters regained complete control, pushing the tempo and closing the game with authority.
After the match, Karim Mane was clear about what ABC Fighters needed to keep their momentum going.
“We came out and did the job. We had a pretty good defence. We need to keep doing the same thing, keep working to make sure we keep winning. And I appeal to the fans to come and support us.”
For Spintex Knights, the loss marked a frustrating second consecutive defeat despite individual solid performances. Alongside Amotoe and Cobblah, Henry Kpogo added 12 points, and Benjamin Ashitei contributed 10, but these efforts were insufficient against a well-rounded ABC team. Spintex’s inability to close the gap early on and ABC’s relentless offence sealed their fate.
Looking ahead, the Road to BAL 2025 continues, with Spintex Knights set to face Mighty Barolle Basketball Club on the final day as they search for their first win. Meanwhile, ABC Fighters will aim to maintain their unbeaten streak when they take on Elan Coton Benin, who currently sit at 1-1 after two games.
[Photography/Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
