PRAIA (Cape Verde) - With five minutes left, the Spintex Knights had genuine hopes of becoming the first Ghanaian team to qualify for the BAL. However, Nuga then showed up with a combination of lethal shots, and Jeuness Club d'Abidjan (JCA) secured the second West Division Elite 16 ticket for the 2026 BAL.
Nuga scored 13 points in the final five minutes, bringing his total to a game-high 27.
This 93–82 victory was JCA's sixth consecutive win in the current Road to BAL campaign, and they will now face Al Ahly Benghazi in Sunday's final.
James Amotoe put in a terrific performance, finishing with a team-high 24 points. However, his efforts proved fruitless, especially after sitting out for so long in the fourth quarter.
The Knights took to the court determined to win.
For every attempt by JCA to go on a scoring run, the Knights responded with one of their own, forcing 14 lead changes in the first half.
Uncertainty loomed in the air, even though JCA led by four at half-time (41–37).
However, the Ivorians returned for the second half with a clear plan to take control of the game, with Mike Yayo setting the tone by scoring a three-pointer to give them a seven-point lead (44–37), their largest advantage at that stage of the game.
From there, JCA took total control of the game.
Unlike their first meeting last month, when JCA prevailed 73–66, the Kings looked more competitive and assertive on Saturday night as they continued their Road to BAL campaign.
"It's a testament to my God-given abilities. I am thankful for what he has given me. It's also a testament to the coaches and teammates who trusted me. I just played with confidence," said Nuga.
Ulrich Kra added 22 points for the winners and Jonathan Cisse contributed 13 points from the bench.
"I know the BAL is growing all the time. I'm happy to be part of it, and hopefully we can carry this momentum through to the BAL season," Nuga insisted.
When asked to reflect on his team's performance, Spintex Knights head coach Selorn Thomas could not hide his disappointment.
He said: 'It's disappointing that we came here and couldn't get the job done. It's heartbreaking that we couldn't do it for our country. However, I am happy that we are leaving here without regrets, knowing that we gave our all."
What separated the two teams? "Fast-break points. They had 17; we had three. That's the game right there," Coach Thomas acknowledged.
James Amotoe carried his team for most of the game, but when JCA went on a scoring spree in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter, he looked helpless from the bench.
"Sometimes you have to make certain decisions as a coach. Treasure Botchway was on the court and performing well. James is our best player, but when someone is performing well, it's difficult to take them off. It was a tricky situation, but I had to keep him in. Eventually, we brought James back. I'm still beating myself up. I'm asking myself, "Was that the right decision?"
Botchway finished with eight points, shooting 3 for 5; Joel Opoku-Thom had nine points, and Abakar Oumar finished with eight.
FIBA