Game Report: In a high-stakes showdown, Mighty Barolle of Liberia edged out Ghana's Spintex Knights 73-69, with both teams fighting to avoid elimination. Barolle’s resilience and determination clinched the win in a thrilling, hard-fought contest to the buzzer.
Last Updated on
November 9, 2024
Mighty Barolle emerged victorious over Spintex Knights in a high-stakes game. Both sides entered with a sense of urgency, each carrying the weight of previous losses and looking to salvage pride and momentum. The matchup was as intense as expected, with both teams battling until the final seconds. Ultimately, Mighty Barolle clinched the narrow 73-69 win, in a nail-biting finish that left Spintex Knights wondering how victory slipped through their fingers.
Spintex Knights charged out of the gate, inspired by the sharp shooting and leadership of James Amotoe. They quickly opened up an 11-point lead halfway through the first quarter, fueled by their efficiency in ball movement and ability to exploit Barolle’s defense. The Ghanaians maintained their advantage as the second quarter began, appearing to be in control as they looked to solidify a strong lead. But just when Spintex seemed to have the upper hand, Mighty Barolle found their footing.
Barolle's resurgence was sudden and impactful. With a combination of stifling defense and a newfound rhythm on offense, they flipped the game in their favor. The Liberian squad, trailing by double digits only moments before, surged with an explosive 23-point quarter while holding the Knights to just six points. This marked a decisive turning point; Barolle’s dominance in the second quarter allowed them to march into halftime with a comfortable 12-point lead, erasing the early deficit and leaving Spintex visibly rattled.
After regrouping at halftime, Spintex Knights returned to the court with renewed determination. They clawed back in the third quarter, tightening their defense and gradually chipping away at Barolle’s lead. However, Mighty Barolle held their ground, matching Spintex’s intensity and escaping with a slight edge, 19-15, in the third period. By the end of the quarter, Barolle’s lead stood at a daunting 16 points, putting Spintex in a precarious position as they entered the final 10 minutes.
The fourth quarter, however, was anything but routine as Spintex Knights mounted a desperate comeback attempt, dragging the game back into contention. Down 60-44, Amotoe ignited the rally with a clutch three-pointer that seemed to awaken his teammates.
Shortly after, Henry Kpogo added another shot from beyond the arc, trimming Barolle’s lead to just 10 points. Ekpo Effiong Bassey joined the push with a powerful dunk, energizing the Spintex bench and crowd. The game quickly became a tense, back-and-forth affair as Amotoe followed up with a series of key plays—a free throw, a jump shot, and a layup—that brought Spintex within four points at 63-59.
But each time Spintex made a move, Barolle responded. Omar Samba’s composure and consistency in the paint kept Barolle in control, halting Spintex’s momentum with a timely score that pushed their lead to 65-59. Even as the Knights fought desperately to keep the dream alive, Barolle managed to stay just out of reach. Samba’s role proved invaluable down the stretch as he closed out the game with 20 points that punctuated Barolle’s offensive resolve.
Samba’s teammates made their presence felt as well. Yuat Alok clinched a team-high 23 points, along with Tyree Quanell Crump adding 11 points to the tally.
On the Spintex side, Amotoe’s all-around play kept the Knights in contention until the final seconds. He finished with 10 points, while Benjamin Mensah scored a team-high 13 points and Deshang Anthony Weaver was the only other Knight to reach double figures, with 10 points and five rebounds, as Spintex’s depth struggled to keep pace with Barolle’s balanced attack.
After the game, Yuat Alok of Mighty Barolle credited the win to team cohesion and execution.
“We listened to the coach. We came and executed. I’m very excited to be here. I love it here and I will come back. I’ll be looking forward to improving my game.”
Spintex’s Benjamin Mensah reflected on the missed opportunity.
“It was quite a tough game. We wanted to win this game, but things didn’t go our way. We wanted to go back home with this win. But if given the chance again, we’re going to come back stronger!” he declared.
Mensah’s frustration reflected the team’s collective disappointment. Still, he expressed hope for the future, mentioning the broader mission Spintex holds for young players in Ghana.
“We started from the bottom. We’re doing this for the young ones in Ghana, so they know who they want to be and what they want to achieve in the sport.”
[Photo/Imagery : Courtesy of FIBA]
