Debutants Kriol Star Stumble as Stade Malien Secures Hard-Fought Victory

Debutants Kriol Star Stumble as Stade Malien Secures Hard-Fought Victory

In an exhilarating clash on Game Day 2 of the Road to BAL 2025 Tournament, Stade Malien rallied to claim an 81-76 victory against Road to BAL debutants Kriol Star. The match began with a tight first quarter, ending in a 20-20 stalemate, but Kriol Star pulled ahead at halftime with a 43-36 lead.

However, Stade Malien leveraged their tournament experience to regain control in the second half. They exploded offensively in the third quarter, scoring 24 points while restricting Kriol Star to just 17, thereby tying the game at 60-60 heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter saw Stade Malien take charge early, starting with a layup from Mondesir Dade Haman that put them ahead 62-60. The Malien side then embarked on a 10-4 run, extending their lead to 72-64, bolstered by contributions from Abdramane Kanoute, Mondesir Dade Haman, and N'faly Kanoute.

Kriol Star's Ali Lahrichi attempted to spark a comeback, narrowing the deficit to 72-67 and later to 77-76, but Stade Malien stood firm, refusing to relinquish their lead. This hard-fought victory was crucial for Stade Malien following their loss to local heroes Al Ahli on Game Day 1.

Promising young star Mahamane Coulibaly shone brightly, leading the team with 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals while maintaining impressive ball control with just one turnover. N'faly Kanoute also made significant contributions with 16 points and three steals, followed by Abdramane Kanoute's 13 points and Haman's solid 12 points and seven rebounds.

Both teams exhibited decent shooting from beyond the arc, with Stade Malien connecting on 34.8% of their three-point attempts, slightly behind Kriol Star's 35.1%. The rebounding battle was evenly matched, with both teams collecting 50 boards. However, Stade Malien dominated in the paint, scoring 42 points to Kriol Star's 28.

Stade Malien's high-tempo style of play was evident. They recorded an impressive 27 fast break points compared to Kriol Star's 15, showcasing their ability to transition quickly and efficiently. This victory marks a significant step for Stade Malien as they continue their journey in the Road to BAL 2025 Tournament.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]