The Spintex Knights Basketball Club has made history as the first Ghanaian team to qualify for the Elite 16 stage of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
This milestone brings them closer to competing in the prestigious tournament, a collaboration between the NBA and FIBA.
The Knights advanced from the preliminary round in Libya, facing challenges along the way.
In their final West Division Group B game, they narrowly lost 69-73 to Liberia’s Mighty Barolle Basketball Club but still secured second place in the group, earning their spot in the Elite 16.
James Amotoe was a standout performer, nearly achieving a triple-double with 27 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in 35 minutes.
His contributions were crucial for the Knights during the group stage.
Spintex Knights, Mighty Barolle, and Benin’s Elan Coton finished the group with identical records of one win and two losses.
However, the Knights advanced due to a superior points difference, finishing behind group leaders Abidjan Fighters, who won all three of their matches, including a decisive 94-66 victory over Elan Coton in their final game.
This accomplishment marks a significant moment for Ghanaian basketball.
The Knights are now ahead of the Braves of Customs, Ghana’s first BAL representatives, who did not progress beyond the preliminary stage in 2019. The Knights will now focus on the Elite 16, aiming to secure their place in the main BAL tournament.
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