Monrovia – Liberian basketball champions Mighty Barrolle rebounded from two consecutive losses at the ongoing Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elite 16, securing a 79-68 win over Ghana’s Spintex Knights on Thursday.
By: Christopher C. Walker | [email protected]
Barrolle entered Thursday’s game following defeats to Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli (99-75) and Cameroon’s Kadi Sports Academy (81-75). However, they regrouped and clinched their first win in the international tournament, a triumph that coincided with Liberians celebrating Thanksgiving back home.
Mighty Barrolle’s participation in the Elite 16 of the BAL was secured after an appeal by the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA). Following this appeal, FIBA Africa Zone-3 granted Barrolle a wild card entry. In a letter signed by LBA Secretary General Calvin Diggs, the association highlighted Barrolle’s longstanding role in promoting basketball excellence in Liberia and its eagerness to represent the nation on such a prestigious stage. The LBA emphasized that Barrolle’s participation would enhance player experience, contribute to basketball growth, and raise Liberia’s profile internationally.
After careful consideration, FIBA accepted Liberia’s request. The Liberian champions qualified as a Wild Card or best loser from the preliminary qualifiers held in Tripoli, Libya, in early October. Barrolle lost two of their three matches but performed well enough to secure a better position than other teams in their bracket.
The BAL 2025 qualifiers are being held from November 5 to 10, 2024, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.