DAKAR, Senegal, May 06, 2024 -- The Sahara Conference season started on Saturday 4 May 2024 at the Dakar Arena. The first match of the day, between 2022 champions US Monastir (Tunisia) and newcomers APR (Rwanda), ended with a win for the Rwandan team (84-89). With the Tunisians just seconds away from victory, Obadiah equalised at the very end of regulation time with a fantastic buzzer-beater to take the game into extra time (after finishing 78-78). Despite Chris Crawford scoring 21 points, APR finally came out on top after a tight extra-time period, allowing the Rwandan champions to end the first day with a significant victory (84-89).
 
Game Highlights US Monastir vs APR (https://apo-opa.co/3QwLjEK)
US Monastir vs APR stats sheet (https://apo-opa.co/4b6mvvv)
 
In the second match of the day, AS Douanes also made their debut in a Dakar Arena, and enjoyed the full support of the local crowd. AS Douanes got off to a good start but were affected by a lack of accurate shooting, in particular from three-point range (7/34), and were unable to win their first match. Devine Eke (31 points), Will Perry (15 points) and John Wilkins (14 points) spearheaded the Rivers Hoopers attack, enabling the Nigerians to pick up their first win of the competition (68-77).
 
Game Highlights AS Douanes vs Rivers Hoopers (https://apo-opa.co/4dpFsLl)
AS Douanes vs Rivers Hoopers stats sheet (https://apo-opa.co/3Umf5go)
 
At half-time during the first match, entertainment was provided by Ngaaka Blindé and the legendary Senegalese group Daaraj Family, who had the crowd enthralled during the Gabelous’ match.

The Sahara Conference continues today (Sunday 5 May) with APR playing against the Rivers Hoopers at 14.30 and AS Douanes facing US Monastir at 17.30 at the Dakar Arena.

During the first match, half-time entertainment will be provided by Steplord. The darling of Senegalese music, VJ, will be performing at half-time of the Gabelous’ match.
 
Tickets for Sahara Conference matches are available from 2500XOF on Teewtickets (https://apo-opa.co/4a1S08T). Fans can follow the games live on the NBA platforms NBA App (https://apo-opa.co/43eJtgR), NBA.com, BAL.NBA.com (https://apo-opa.co/3QyoGjh), and the BAL YouTube channel (https://apo-opa.co/3twvshm).