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US Monastir blows out Stade Malien to start BAL title defense.
Tunisian basketball giants US Monastir started their journey on the continent on a winning note.
US Monastir the reigning Basketball Africa League (BAL) champion recorded a 78-68 victory against Stade Malien in their opening game of the new campaign in Dakar Senegal on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
US Monastir defeats Stade Malien to start title defense
As one of the favorites for the title, US Monastir began their quest to dominate the Shara Conference of the BAL against Stade Malien.
The Tunisian side had the offense following as they put up 23 points and took an eight-point lead at the end of the first quarter.
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Stade Malien matched US Monastir bucket for bucket in the second quarter as the lead was seven going to the halftime break.
In a third quarter with improved defense from both sides, US Monastir increased their lead to 11 points.
US Monastir was able to execute and stop runs made by Stade Malien in the fourth quarter as they held on for a 10-point blowout victory.
Key performers
Souleymane Berthe was the stand-out performer from both sides in the game.
The Center that did not get selected in the 2022 NBA Draft put up a monster performance for Stade Malien in the loss to US Monastir.
He led all scorers in the game with 34 points and also chipped in four rebounds and three assists.
American-Ukrainian professional basketball player Jerome Randle played a pivotal role in leading US Monastir to victory.
He recorded 18 points, contributed seven assists, and grabbed four rebounds in the victory.
US Monastor continue their title defense in their next game against Nigerian Premier League champions Kwara Falcons scheduled for Wednesday, March 15, 2023.
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