Zamalek win Basketball Africa League (BAL)

CAIRO-30 May 2021: Zamalek players wrote their names in letter of gold in the club’s history after achieving the inaugural edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

The White Knights defeated Tunisian giants US Monastir 76-63 at Kigali Arena on Sunday to clinch the title.

Zamalek players stepped on the court ready to upset the Tunisian side but the Tunisians finished the first quarter leading 22-17.

The Egyptians never looked back after the first quarter and went on to dominate the second quarter and close the gap in the score. Zamalek’s efforts paid off as they finished the first half leading 44-42.

Zamalek players kept their amazing performance in the third quarter and they were able to extend the gap in the score to four points.

In the fourth quarter, Walter Hodge was on fire in the fourth quarter, as he controlled the tempo of Zamalek’s offensive play and scored several 3-pointers.

The White Knights upped their pressure on their Tunisian opponents to win the game with 14-point lead.

After the game, Hodge was named the MVP of the tournament, which is named after NBA icon, Hakeem Olajuwon.

The BAL is the continent's top-tier club competition and it is a joint effort between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and International Basketball Federation (FIBA).