Al Ittihad Makes a Statement with 39-Point Rout of Nadi Basket Staoueli in Elite 16 Debut

Al Ittihad of Libya could hardly have imagined a more emphatic way to announce their arrival at the Elite 16. Making their tournament debut at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, the Libyan side delivered a commanding performance, dismantling Algeria’s Nadi Basket Staoueli by 39 points to draw first blood and send an early warning to the competition’s other contenders.

Armed with players with Basketball Africa League (BAL) experience, Al Ittihad came into the contest with the composure, physicality and tactical discipline of a team familiar with the demands of continental basketball. From the opening exchanges, they demonstrated exactly why experience matters at this level, taking control of the game’s tempo and dictating proceedings on both ends of the floor.

For Nadi Basket, the challenge quickly became an uphill battle. Every possession came at a price as the Libyans applied relentless defensive pressure, disrupted passing lanes and forced the Algerians into uncomfortable situations. Al Ittihad capitalized on their opponents’ struggles, turning 23 turnovers into 31 points. It was a devastating conversion rate that reflected not only their defensive intensity but also their ability to punish mistakes.

The offensive execution was equally impressive. Whether attacking the basket, creating opportunities from beyond the arc or converting at the free-throw line, Al Ittihad appeared comfortable in every scoring situation. Their offensive versatility made it increasingly difficult for Nadi Basket to identify a defensive solution.

One of the biggest differences between the two sides, however, came in the paint. Al Ittihad’s big men had a field day inside, overpowering the Algerian defense and establishing complete dominance around the basket. The Libyan giants were virtually unstoppable, combining size, strength and effective finishing to produce an impressive 54 points in the paint. Nadi Basket simply had no answer to the physical presence and interior efficiency of their opponents.

Beyond the dominance inside, Al Ittihad showcased remarkable balance in their offensive production. Six players finished in double figures, highlighting a collective effort that went far beyond individual brilliance. Three players contributed 14 points apiece, while Keron Melique led the charge with a game-high 17 points.

That scoring distribution proved particularly important. With multiple offensive threats, Al Ittihad ensured that Nadi Basket could not concentrate their defensive efforts on a single player. Every rotation presented another challenge, and every defensive adjustment seemed to open a new scoring opportunity for the Libyan side.

On the opposite end, Nadi Basket Staoueli struggled to establish any meaningful offensive rhythm. The Algerians found themselves constantly reacting to Al Ittihad’s defensive pressure rather than dictating their own offensive sequences. Although three players managed to reach double figures, their contributions were insufficient to prevent the heavy defeat.

Amin Bensalah was the leading scorer for Nadi Basket with 15 points, attempting to keep his team competitive despite the mounting deficit. However, the lack of consistent offensive support and the difficulty of protecting the ball proved costly. Against an opponent as experienced and physically imposing as Al Ittihad, every mistake carried consequences, and the Algerians paid dearly for them.

The 39-point margin was more than just a convincing opening victory. It was a statement of intent from a team that appears determined to make its presence felt in the race for a BAL qualification. Al Ittihad demonstrated that they possess the depth, experience, defensive intensity and offensive firepower required to compete with the best teams in the tournament.

For Nadi Basket Staoueli, the opening defeat leaves little room for complacency. The Algerian representatives must quickly regroup, address their ball-handling difficulties and find greater offensive consistency if they hope to remain in contention for a place among the tournament’s top three.

The Elite 16 journey is still in its early stages, and there is time for a response. But after such a commanding display, Al Ittihad have already established themselves as a team to watch.

In Abidjan, the message has been delivered. Al Ittihad are not here simply to participate. They have come to compete, and their opening 39-point statement suggests that the Libyans mean business.

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