BAL 2021: Alan Major praises Patriots' fighting spirit despite loss to US Monastir
Sunday, May 23, 2021

Saturday results

Group A

G.N.B.C. 69-80 Rivers Hoopers

US Monastir 91-75 Patriots

Group C

Ferroviario de Maputo 86-73 GSP

Patriots head coach Alan Major has praised his players’ fighting spirit despite losing to Tunisian powerhouse US-Monastir.

Patriots lost 75-91 to the North Africans, in the last game of Group A that took place on Saturday, May 22 at the Kigali Arena.

This is the first defeat for the local side which won its first two fixtures and booked a berth in the quarterfinals before the last group game.

On the other hand, with the win over Patriots, Monastir became the first BAL team to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament unbeaten.

Speaking after the game, Alan Major, Patriots head coach gave credit to the opponents for their victory, but praised the fighting spirit of his team,

"A lot of credit to Monastir. Their team has been together for four years. It’s a well-coached team. But I love the fight that our guys showed," he said.

"I do believe in this squad. We can beat anybody in this tournament,” he added.

In its first two games, US Monastir defeated its two opponents by an average of 38 points, but Patriots refused to go down that way.

In another game that took place on Saturday, Ferroviario de Maputo secured a place in the quarters after beating Algeria’s GS Petroliers 86-73 in Group C.

On Sunday, May 23, BAL action continues at the Kigali Arena with Group Group B games.

Cameroon's FAP will entertain Mali's A.S Police at 5:30 PM,  as Morocco's AS Salé will play against Angola's Atlético Petróleos de Luanda at  9 PM.

Besides US Monastir, Ferroviario de Maputo and Patriots, the other teams that have already booked a berth in the quarterfinals of the tournament include Petro de Luanda and AS Sale.

Today's Fixtures

Group B

F.A.P. vs. A.S. Police 5:30pm

A.S. Salé vs. Atlético Petróleos de Luanda 9pm

Group C

Zamalek vs. A.S. Douanes 2pm