Patrick McGlynn’s 35 Points Send Kriol Stars to BAL, Crushing Urunani’s Dreams.

Patrick McGlynn’s 35 Points Send Kriol Stars to BAL, Crushing Urunani’s Dreams.

In a highly anticipated semifinal showdown with a Basketball Africa League (BAL) berth at stake, the Kriol Stars of Cape Verde emerged victorious over Urunani BC from Burundi in a dramatic 90-82 encounter. This was a battle defined by offensive fireworks, strategic adjustments, and moments of brilliance, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.

The first half showcased Urunani's clever defensive schemes, forcing the Kriol Stars into committing 14 turnovers. Both teams struggled with ball security early, with Urunani also tallying ten turnovers. Despite this sloppiness, Urunani took full advantage of their defensive efforts, capitalizing on transition opportunities facilitated by Marcus Crawford's exceptional playmaking. His sharp court vision and pinpoint passes set up teammates for easy buckets, helping Urunani close the half with a commanding 37-28 lead.

However, the second half was an entirely different story, marked by Kriol Stars' relentless resilience and sharpshooting. They turned to their long-range artillery from the opening moments, reducing the deficit with precise shooting from beyond the arc. Almeida's clutch three-pointer midway through the third quarter gave the Kriol Stars their first lead, flipping the momentum. Patrick McGlynn then stole the show, sinking back-to-back three-pointers to push the lead to six points, igniting panic within the Burundian camp.

Urunani fought bravely in the fourth quarter, clawing back to tie the game through the heroics of Jean Jacques Boissy, who poured in an impressive 33 points. But Kriol Stars refused to relinquish their grip on the contest. With just four minutes left, they stretched their lead to eight points, buoyed by consistency on the boards and their remarkable accuracy from deep.

McGlynn's electrifying performance proved to be the difference-maker. The guard from the  Cape Verdean side delivered a sensational 35-point display, shooting 58% from beyond the arc while adding four rebounds. His leadership and poise under pressure were instrumental in securing the victory.

The Kriol Stars shot an impressive 48% from three as a team, a statistic that underscored their offensive dominance in the second half.
For Urunani, the loss was heartbreaking, with Boissy and Marcus Crawford's stellar performances not enough to secure the win or a BAL spot. The Burundian side will rue their missed opportunities and defensive lapses, particularly in the final moments.

This thrilling contest highlighted the quality of basketball on display and secured the Kriol Stars a coveted place in the BAL, further solidifying Cape Verde's growing presence in African basketball.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]