Petro de Luanda clinched the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) title by defeating Al Ahly Ly 107-94 on Saturday In an electrifying showdown at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
This victory marks Petro de Luanda’s first continental title since their 2015 triumph in the FIBA Africa Champions Cup held in Luanda, Angola.
The Angolan champions faced a challenging first half, trailing 52-40 at halftime against a formidable Al Ahly Ly team that had been on a three-game postseason winning streak.
However, a remarkable turnaround in the third quarter saw Petro de Luanda surging ahead, displaying resilience and tactical prowess to claim their much-deserved victory.
Nicholas Faust led the charge for the new champions with an impressive 24 points, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the court.
Markeith Cummings also played a crucial role, contributing 20 points, while Cleusio Castro’s impactful performance off the bench added 10 points, providing the spark Petro de Luanda needed.
Jo-Lual Acuil Jr., who was honored as the 2024 BAL MVP, delivered a commendable performance with 15 points for Al Ahly Ly. Despite his efforts, Acuil Jr.’s contribution fell short of securing victory for the Libyan champions.
Notably, Acuil Jr. joins the ranks of South Sudanese stars in BAL history, becoming the second from his country to win the MVP award, following Nuni Omot’s achievement in 2023.
Petro de Luanda’s journey to the title was marked by a series of strategic adjustments and relentless determination. The team found themselves in an unfamiliar position, having allowed over 50 points in the first half, a rarity in their previous matches.
However, a pivotal 11-0 run in the third quarter shifted the momentum in their favor, establishing a double-digit lead that they maintained until the final buzzer.
A standout aspect of Petro de Luanda’s victory was their bench performance, which outscored Al Ahly Ly’s bench 51-27. This depth proved to be a decisive factor in the outcome of the game.
Additionally, Petro de Luanda’s dominance on the boards was evident, winning the rebounding battle 48-32, showcasing their physicality and tenacity.
Lukeny Goncalves, who contributed 16 points including 9 from behind the arc, praised Cleusio Castro’s critical role in the victory. “Everyone on the team knew that Cleusio would be the difference-maker in this game because of his hardworking attitude,” Goncalves stated.
“He was really aggressive on both ends of the floor and managed to neutralize number 41 (Jo-Lual Acuil Jr.).”
Reflecting on the previous season’s semifinal loss to AS Douanes, Goncalves emphasized that the defeat served as a valuable lesson rather than a setback. “It was a lesson that we made sure to implement this season,” he said.
“We came ready to fight. At the halftime break, we looked at each other in the eyes and pledged that this was our turn to win the BAL trophy. When they showed signs of fatigue in the third quarter, we stepped up our aggressiveness even further. That’s how we won the game.”
With this victory, Petro de Luanda concluded their 2024 BAL campaign with a 5-3 record, while Al Ahly Ly finished with a 6-4 record. The triumph also earns Petro de Luanda the opportunity to represent Africa at the next FIBA InterContinental Cup, set to take place in Singapore in September.
Petro de Luanda’s 2024 BAL Championship win is a testament to their resilience, strategic acumen, and unyielding spirit. Their journey to the top of African basketball is a source of pride for Angola and a significant milestone in the team’s storied history.
Photo: BAL,X
