ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - The quartet scored 61 points, helping the JCA Kings defeat the Spintex Knights 89-84 in one of two Group A West Division Elite 16 games on Tuesday.
Duval’s dunk off a baseline drive with just over a minute to play sent the crowd at Palais des Sports de Treichville to their feet but broke the Spintex Knights, who fought hard to stay in contention for a slot at next year’s BAL.
Not only did the dunk extend the JCA Kings’ lead to five points (89–84), it also sealed a victory that will probably send the home side through to the West Division qualifier semifinals.
“I wasn’t even looking to go and attack; I was looking to run a play or run the shot clock so we can finish out the game, but I saw an open lane, and I took it,” Duval, who finished with a team-high 18 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists, said of the game-winning moment.
With victory, the Kings improve to 2-0 in the group, with a top-of-the-table clash to come on Thursday against Stade Malien, which has the same record.
“I think today we did really good; if we continue to have that same focus and we play some good defense and continue getting better every day, we will be really good.”
While James Amotoe nearly led a lone fight for Spintex Knights, pouring in 30 points complemented by Justin Uwitonze (16) and Malik Temple (15), JCA Kings had five players in double figures.
Mohamed Konate (16), Samba Fall (14), Aboubakr Gbane (13) and Sydney Howmmond (12) all scored in double digits.
“I love that about our team; anybody can have anywhere from 8 to 20 points. We have a lot of different pieces that can affect the game at a high rate.
“We took a step up as a team with the intensity; we came together, played really hard and won the game because we stepped up,” Duval said.
The Spintex Knights dropped to 0-2 in Group A with the loss.
FIBA