Jo-Lual Acuil sets new BAL scoring record as Al Ahly Ly clinch a playoff spot

Jo-Lual Acuil Jr. stepped on the floor on Saturday evening knowing that Al Ahly Ly needed a win to clinch a playoff spot.

Not only did he powered his team to a 110-78 win over City Oilers, but he also finished with 42 points to set a new BAL All-Time scoring record.

The previous scoring record (41) belonged to Terrell Stoglin and Will Perry.

While former AS Salé Terrell Stoglin established the scoring milestone of 41 points in a 96-90 loss to US Monastir on March 12, 2022, Will Perry tied the mark when he led Ferroviário da Beira to a 109-97 win over SLAC.

Although Kevin Murphy (21), Solo Diabate (14) and Majok Deng (18) combined for 53 Al Ahly Ly points, Acuil was rightfully named the Man-of-the Match thanks to his 42 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks.

By halftime, the South Sudanese center had 26 points as the Libyan champions led 52-42.

As they enjoyed a comfortable 108-74 lead with two minutes remaining, Al Ahly Ly head coach Ivan Jeremic decided to rest Acuil and the rest of the starting line-up, but the play-caller, who was unaware of the scoring record, was persuaded to leave Acuil on the floor.

Acuil was 0-3 in the last two minutes of the game before he eventually scored the record-breaking basket.

“That’s what happens normally when you start playing about personal stuff,” Acuil admitted when asked about his missed shots.

He added:, “The win was more important. We knew we needed one more win to qualify. Obviously, the record is amazing, and I want to thank my teammates, God and my family. I wouldn’t be here without all these people.”

After dropping to 2-3, Al Ahly Ly needed to return to winning ways to extend their season beyond April 27.

Reflecting on Al Ahly Ly’s ups and downs, Murphy said: “It’s a great win that we needed. I am excited for this team, for Libya, to get the chance to go the playoffs, it’s a great feeling.

“We did our best. We had some injuries, but we still stuck together to make it to the playoffs. That shows that we can do it. Whoever we going to fight there, we are going to fight to the end, he added”

City Oilers dropped to 1-5 in the largest losing margin of the season so far.