Spintex Knights Basketball Club has made history by becoming the first Ghanaian team to qualify for the Elite 16 stage of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Their impressive run brings them closer to participating in the main event of the prestigious tournament, a joint initiative of the NBA and FIBA.
The Knights progressed from the preliminary round held in Libya, despite facing setbacks. In their final West Division Group B game, they narrowly lost 69-73 to Liberia’s Mighty Barolle Basketball Club. However, they still secured second place in the group, earning their spot in the Elite 16.
Standout performer James Amotoe came close to achieving a triple-double, recording 27 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in 35 minutes on the court. His efforts were pivotal in keeping the Knights’ hopes alive throughout the group stage.
Spintex Knights, Mighty Barolle, and Benin’s Elan Coton ended the group stage with identical records (one win, two losses). However, the Knights edged through on superior points difference, clinching the second qualification spot behind group leaders Abidjan Fighters.
Abidjan Fighters dominated the group with three straight wins, including a 94-66 victory over Elan Coton in their final game.
This achievement marks a historic moment for Ghanaian basketball.
The Knights are now one step ahead of Braves of Customs, Ghana’s first BAL representatives, who were unable to progress beyond the early stages in the 2019 edition.
The Knights will now turn their attention to the Elite 16, aiming to secure their place in the BAL’s main tournament.