Libya edged Cape Verde 82-80 in a tense game, led by Nassim Ismail Badrush (20 PTS, 6 AST). Despite Shane Da Rosa’s 18 points, Libya’s rebounding and clutch plays, plus Anderson Correia’s missed free throw, secured qualification.
Last Updated on
February 23, 2025
On some days, the outcome of a game hinges on very little, and Libya just seemed to possess whatever that is, as they weathered the Cape Verdean storm to clinch an 82-80 win.
Cape Verde had won three games prior to the outing and was hoping to make it four, but Libya, who had tasted victory only once, knew they needed a win to spare themselves any last-minute blushes.
Cape Verde began the game on a high, exploding on both ends of the court. Shane Da Rosa scored 8 points, and 4 of his teammates added to the team's tally to ensure a 25-17 first-quarter lead.
Haunted by the thought of another defeat, Libya rallied in the second quarter, conducting business on the court with instinctive fluency as Nassim Ismael Badrush with 9 points, Mohammed Said with 7 points, and Sofiane Hamad 6 points proved to be a constant thorn to the flesh of the Cape Verdeans.
The trio combined effortlessly, making almost every trip to the charity line count and offensively outrebounding Cape Verde to secure a 42-39 domination for Libya by halftime.
The third quarter seemed to be a recital of the second for the Libyans with Mohammed Ramadan contributing to team efforts with 8 points in the quarter while Nassem Ismail Badrush who was already on fire dropped two threes, adding 9 points to his already incredible tally to spur Libya to a five-point lead by the time the third quarter closed.
The Cape Verdeans bounced back into the game in the final quarter, turning to experienced shooting guard Anderson Correia for inspiration. The 27-year-old netted 8 points and was ever-present offensively and defensively. Correia could've closed the gap to one and perhaps masterminded something incredible when with 9 seconds to the buzz he pulled two free throws, converted one, and missed the other. With that squandered chance went Cape Verde's ambitions for a win as Libya kept their nerves to secure an 82-80 win.
Libya have Nassim Ismail Badrush to thank for their victory. His 20 points and 6 assist were crucial for the side coupled with the rebounding prowess of Mohammed Sadi who grabbed 12 boards and netted 14 points.
Cape Verde's veteran point guard Shane Da Rosa contributed 18 points for an efficiency of 23 but will rue the chances his side missed and their inability to boxout which granted Libya 40 points in the paint.
Libya's coach Fouad Bou Chakra was all smiles at the end of the game. With this victory, his players secured another appearance at the continent's most thrilling basketball tournament.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
