Afuwape scores 19 to lead Elan Coton past AS Sale

We continue our focus on Nigerians taking part in the Elite 16 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in Abidjan.

On day two, Michael Okiki Afuwape was the star man at the BAL Elite 16 on Tuesday.

Afuwape shot 19 points, 6 rebounds in the 62-58 shocking defeat of two-time BAL quarter finalists, AS Sale of Morocco.

The Nigerian added 2 assists, 6 steals and shot 5 of 7 from the free throw line.

An outstanding second half was what it took for the road to BAL debutant Elan Coton to down the Moroccan champions.

Elan erased a 16-point halftime deficit (38-22) to record a win and boost their hope in the Elite 16.

Chinedu Martins Chimbuo had 4 points, and 8 rebounds with 2 assists for Elan while Wisdom Anyaoha had a quiet game for a second consecutive game. Anyaoha had only 3 minutes on the floor.

In the other games, Emeka Nwabuzor scored 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in SLAC’s 76-82 loss to Stade Malien.

Chris Obekpa contributed 9 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in 39 minutes for SLAC.

At the other end of the floor, Efe Uwadiae-Odigie made 10 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals for Stade Malien.

Meanwhile, Bangui Sporting Club of Central Africa Republic and Stade Malien of Mali are the first two teams to reach the semi final of the West Division after two wins from their first two games.

Bangui sealed one of the Semi-Finals spot in Group A while Stade Malien sealed theirs in Group B.

Other semi final spots will be decided on Wednesday.