April 28, 2023

Nile Conference Matchday 3 - PREVIEW

The 2023 Nile Conference resumes on Saturday - after a rest day on Friday – with Beira taking on Petro and City Oilers going up against Al Ahly.

Ferroviario da Beira v Petro de Luanda - 16:00 (Local Time); 10:00 am (ET)

This is the first encounter between Beira and Petro in the BAL.

After coming up short against Nile Conference hosts Al Ahly on Wednesday night, Beira are chasing their first win in the BAL since beating DUC on March 8, 2022 in Dakar.

Petro de Luanda, on the other hand, are hoping to build on a crucial win against City Oilers on Thursday night.

CAIRO, EGYPT - APRIL 27: The Petro de Luanda bench celebrates 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 Julien Bacot/NBAE via Getty Images)

One thing that Beira can’t afford against Petro is to allow the Angolan champions to go on a 3-pt rampage.

Beira permitted Al Ahly to make 9 of their 27 3-pt attempts, something that would be costly against Petro, considering the former African champions’ tendency to shoot from long-range.

Against City Oilers, Petro attempted more 3s (11 for 37) than they did it near the basket (17 for 32).

Petro have shown a solid defensive game while relying on a productive bench, unlike Beira’s reserves who were out-scored 35-11 against Al Ahly.

Aboubacar Gakou, who had terrific offensive display against City Oilers, is one of the men Beira will need to contain with the other ones being Childe Dundão and Carlos Morais.

In his second BAL season, Will Perry continues to show why he is one of the most prolific scorers in the league, and could be Petro’s main headache on Saturday.

During a post-game press conference, Petro head coach Jose Neto admitted to being happy with the win against the Oilers, but he acknowledged that there is a long road to glory.

“We won’t be satisfied until we reach our ultimate goal of winning the championship,” Neto said.

Morais added: “There is no reason to be satisfied at this point.”

City Oilers v Al Ahly 19:30 (Local Time); 1:30 pm (ET)

This is a clash between two BAL debutants.

While City Oilers qualified to the BAL after a successful qualifying campaign last November, Al Ahly are one of the six teams that have qualified automatically to the Championship.

CAIRO, EGYPT - APRIL 26: Anunwa Omot Omot #7 of the Al Ahly shoots the ball during the game against the CFV - Beira on April 26, 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 Julien Bacot/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Egyptian champions opened their Nile Conference with a dominating performance against Beira, never allowing their opponents to take the lead.

The two teams have displayed two different brands of basketball.

While City Oilers’ small line-up has scored more fast-break points (28) than any of the six Nile teams, so far, Al Ahly’s taller and bigger roster has dominated the paint like no other, scoring a tournament-high 40 points in the painted area.

Al Ahly’s newest additions Nuni Omot, Corey Webster have left a positive impression in their BAL debut, and the pair is expected to take a leading role against City Oilers on Saturday.

In theory, Al Ahly are favourites to come up with a win, but as Oilers coach Mandy Juruni recalled, they are in Cairo to compete.

“Al Ahly is one of the tough teams in the tournament,” the former point guard noted.

CAIRO, EGYPT - APRIL 27: James Justice Jr. #00 of the The City Oilers dribbles the ball 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 Julien Bacot/NBAE via Getty Images)

“We came here to play basketball and compete. We knew we are going to play these big teams Al Ahly, Petro and all the other teams. We just have to concentrate in ourselves and see how we get ourselves better.”

Even Al Ahly head coach Agustin Julbe, who guided Zamalek to the BAL title in 2021, feels there is still room for improvement.

“We are going to improve as the competition moves on because of many factors. We brought in new players like Corey (Webster), Nuni (Omot); We need to get everything together and try to improve as a team,” the Spaniard noted.

In the build-up to Saturday’s NBA action, Beira and Oilers are 0-1, while Petro and Al Ahly are 1-0 each.