US Monastir gives a master class on how to beat a champion

The last time Petro de Luanda and US Monastir met in Kigali in May 2024, the Tunisian champions prevailed thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Firas Lahyani.

Fast forward to April 27, 2025, and long-range shooting played a big part in US Monastir's 87-73 win over Petro de Luanda.

It was Petro de Luanda's first loss of the season and US Monastir's first win after a disappointing opening night loss to hosts ASC Ville de Dakar.

US Monastir gave Petro de Luanda a master class in how to beat them with an out-of-this-world three-point shooting performance.

They didn't break the BAL record for most three-pointers in a game (20), which still belongs to Petro de Luanda.

Everything worked in US Monastir's favor, and as much as the Angolan champions switched and made constant defensive adjustments, the 2022 BAL champions weren't ready to go down 0-2 in the Sahara Conference.

It all started early for US Monastir, who were 9-for-15 from behind the arc before halftime, when they led 46-45.

Things were going according to plan for the perennial Tunisian champions, whose bench was already in a celebratory mood with five minutes remaining.

And at the final whistle, US Monastir's 17-for-28 from deep saw Petro de Luanda dropped to 1-1.

US Monastir made more three-pointers (17) than mid-range shots (15-for-28) in forty minutes.

Osiris Eldridge had a night to remember, shooting 7-for-9 from behind the arc to finish with 23 points.

Former NBA Academy Africa player Babacar Sane was unstoppable, punishing Petro de Luanda's defense with his game-high 24 points.

"I've had some good shooting nights before, maybe in college," Eldridge said.

The 36-year-old guard went on to explain how US Monastir managed to bounce back from a 3-point loss (70-67) to hosts ASC Ville de Dakar less than 24 hours earlier.

"Yesterday was tough. It was our first game, and we had a tough shooting night. We had a little team meeting after the game to regroup," said Eldridge.

Did the threat of going 0-2 in the Sahara Conference play a role in Eldridge's stellar performance? "Some people always compare me to JR Smith because sometimes I make questionable shots, but I make them. And tonight was one of those nights where it just fell. I had some good looks, and I made them," he replied.

"Yesterday was tough. It was our first game, and we had a tough shooting night. Today we came out with a better focus. Hopefully we can keep it up. Hopefully you will see us in South Africa," Eldridge said.

EJ Anosike led Petro de Luanda in scoring with 16 points.

The 2025 Sahara Conference will resume for Petro de Luanda and US Monastir on Tuesday, April 29 after a rest day on Monday.