SUPERB AMIN, WEBSTER KEY IN AL AHLY'S SEMI-FINALS SLOT

Rwanda Energy Group (REG) fans flocked into BK Arena in big numbers on Saturday to cheer on their heroes, but their tireless support wasn't enough to avoid a 94-77 defeat to Al Ahly.

An early 8-5 lead was the most REG could enjoy.

Al Ahly just needed keep composure to beat REG and advance to the Semi-Finals.

With the loss REG were eliminated in the Quarter-Finals for the second straight season in front of their home fans.

Adonis Filer, Cleveland Thomas Jr. and Axel Mpoyo tried their best to return REG fans' support, but the show belonged to Al Ahly.

And that dominance became clearer when Al Ahly reached their largest lead of the game (80-57) in the third quarter.

“They made us work. They made us pay for our mistakes,” said REG head coach Dean Murray during the post-game press conference.

Filer finished with a game-high of 26 points, Thomas Jr. had 15 and Mpoyo contributed 15, but no other REG players scored in double digits.

Al Ahly headed for break with a comfortable 46-32 advantage.

REG returned from the locker energized and prepared to fight back. They used a 12-1 run to cut the gap to just three points (47-44) midway through the third quarter, but a succession of missed shots proved costly to the Rwandan champions.

“I want to appreciate our fans for coming out and supporting us,” said Murray who gave “credit to Al Ahly.“

Superb Ehab Amin converted 8 of his 12 shots, including 3 for 4 from behind the arc to finish with a team-high of 22 points.

Reflecting on Al Ahly’s win, Amin said that playing aggressively on both ends of the floor was crucial.

“Every possession matters,” that was Al Ahly's mindset approaching the game, Amin explained.

Corey Webster had another stellar display, adding 13 points off the bench and Nuni Omot added 16 as Al Alhy cemented their chances of reaching the BAL Final.

“We did a good job at executing in the second half,” Omot said.

It was Al Ahly’s second straight win in the BAL since closing their Nile Conference campaign with an 80-70 win over SLAC.

“We had to be able to play an excellent game to beat Al Ahly. We were taking quick shots,” Murray stressed.

“We have to learn from our mistakes,” added forward Dieudonne Ndiziye who contributed 8 points.

Al Ahly will take on Stade Malien in the Semi-Final on Wednesday.