April 28, 2023

Gakou, Majok pivotal for Petro de Luanda's first win

Petro de Luanda couldn’t have hoped for a better result with Aboubacar Gakou and Ater Major playing at such a high level.

Gakou and Majok were vital in Petro de Luanda’s 89-71 victory over City Oilers on Thursday night in Cairo.

A week after being named MVP of the Angolan League Final, Gakou put on a show from the long rage while Majok made his presence felt on the defensive end.

Gakou was 6 for 13 from the floor, including a 4 of 9 shooting from behind the arc to lead the Angolan champions with 16 points.

CAIRO, EGYPT - APRIL 27: Lukeny Gonçalves #10 of the Petro de Luanda drives to the basket during the game against The City Oilers on April 27, 2023 at the Dr Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE via Getty Images)

Majok came off the bench to contribute 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, but he also decorated his Petro de Luanda with 8 points and 5 assists.

Petro rushed to a 10-0 run to start the game, but when things looked to be heading to one-sided event, the Oilers fought back and took a 44-42 lead.

The 18-point win may look an easy one, but Petro de Luanda needed to up their game to earn their first BAL win since losing to US Monastir in the 2022 BAL final in Kigali.

CAIRO, EGYPT - APRIL 27: Falando Jones #7 of The City Oilers looks on during the game against the Petro de Luanda on April 27, 2023 at the Dr Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE via Getty Images)

City Oilers’ Falando Jones finished with a game-high of 22 points; James Justice Jr added 20 for the Ugandan champions, but a 54-36 rebounding disadvantage proved costly for BAL debutant team.

Petro de Luanda’s triumph wasn’t just about Gakou and Majok.

Its bench outscored City Oilers’ 34-10 to mark the difference between the two sides.

“There is no reason to be satisfied at this point,” said Petro de Luanda captain Carlos Morais.

The former MVP of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup contributed 11 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, and Damian Hollis made his BAL debut with a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Morais praised Majok’s impact: “He is a guy who changes the dynamic of our defensive force, and I believe he is going to make a difference, that’s why we have him. I hope, down the road, he keeps doing what he does best and help us accomplish our goal.”

During the post-game press conference, Oilers coach Mandi Juruni admitted that his team is yet to reach its full potential.

“The game got away from us because of the rebounding. They out-rebounded us by 20; We didn’t do a good job there. As we play more games, we are going to clean up most of these.”

Asked about Falando Jones’ condition after leaving the court with an injury, Juruni replied: “He will be alright. There’s nothing really major. Our physios are going to work with him, but he will be ready for the next game.”

City Oilers returns to action on Saturday, April 30 to take on host Al Ahly while Petro de Luanda will go up against Ferroviario da Beira.