ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - Back in 2021, GSP Petroliers carried the Algerian flag in the BAL's inaugural season, but no club from the North African country has featured in the competition since then.
However, on Thursday, Nadir Basket Staoueli brought hope to their country.
What a moment it was!
Not only did Nadi Basket Staoueli record their largest winning margin in the current West Division Elite 16 campaign by beating Guinea's Nabaya Sofa 83-54, they also reached the semifinals.
They are now on the verge of qualifying for the BAL.
On Thursday, Nadi Basket Staoueli never let up, leading by as many as 33 points before settling for the 29-point victory.
Nabaya Sofa looked nothing like the team that impressed early in the competition.
Corey Manigault, Mohamed Boussad and Kurt-Curry Wegcheider, who plays for the Central African Republic national team, led the way for the Algerian outfit, combining for 37 points.
Nadi Basket Staoueli improved their Elite 16 record to 2-1 (4-2 overall for the season) ahead of Saturday's decisive semi-final against the winner of the JCA Kings vs. Stade Malien game.
FIBA