FUS Rabat dashed Cape Town's playoff aspirations with a decisive 84-75 triumph on the final day of the Kalahari Conference regular season in the Basketball Africa League.
Last Updated on
March 18, 2024
Fanya Nkengasong
Staff Writer
Following their impressive win against Petro de Luanda (84-78) in the prior match, the Cape Town Tigers were determined to reach greater heights. Securing another victory would significantly boost their chances of qualifying among the top two third-placed teams. However, achieving this feat required them to outscore their opponents by over thirty points.
Facing a challenging opponent in FUS Rabat, who are still recovering from their loss to Petro de Luanda, the Cape Town Tigers faced an uphill battle. However, determined to maintain their momentum, just as they did against Petro, the Tigers started strong and took an early lead by three points (8-11). Despite their efforts, FUS managed to edge ahead, clinching the first quarter with a score of 15-13.
The second half saw a fierce battle between two evenly matched teams, with neither side giving an inch; the score gap never exceeded three points in either direction. As the clock wound down, coach Saïd Bouzidi's seasoned players seized control, heading into halftime with a slim three-point lead (37-34). Despite this, FUS faced challenges in the first half, grappling with uncharacteristic turnovers and a struggle to convert from beyond the arc, managing only 2 out of 13 attempts.
Undoubtedly frustrated in the locker room, FUS returned with renewed determination. They displayed better discipline and quickly regained the lead. However, Preston's buzzer-beater halted their momentum, levelling the game at 59-59 by the end of the third quarter. As tensions mounted, questions lingered.
Would Cape Town replicate their previous day's success, or would FUS regain control and secure the win? The latter seemed more plausible, with the Moroccan club holding a seven-point lead in the dying seconds (80-73). The final score of 84-75 underscores the intensity of the game.
"It was a very difficult game with a crowd that never stopped supporting their team. It's also true that Ramadan didn't spare us, but the most important task is fulfilled. We've qualified for Kigali," acknowledged Soufiane Benmhine.
FUS Rabat and Petro de Luanda have emerged as the two teams from the Kalahari Conference to qualify for the finals.
