Nairobi City Thunder off to a flyer in BAL qualifiers

Nairobi City Thunder made a commanding start to their Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers after blowing out Seychelles’ Beau Vallon Heat 89-58 in their debut on the continental stage.

Thunder’s diverse lineup featuring veterans like skipper Tylor Okari, Garang Diing from South Sudan, USA-based Derrick Ogechi, American William Davis II, and Nigerian international Uche Iroegbu were on full display as they maintained their intensity from tip-off to the final buzzer.

Beau Vallon Heat Basketball team started the game with intent, sinking a three-pointer and adding two more baskets as the Thunder found their rhythm.

William Davis II responded with six straight points to keep Thunder Basketball Club in the game.

Davis delivered a stellar first-quarter performance on both ends of the court, showcasing solid defense with patience and grit to block BVA players and help his team maintain their 20-16 lead.

The Beau Vallon Heat surged back with intensity in the second quarter, quickly scoring three consecutive baskets against Thunder.

However, Thunder's momentum shifted when William Davis re-entered the game, replacing injured Albert Odero.

Davis immediately made an impact, scoring two quick baskets, including one off a steal by Ariel Okal, to regain the lead.

Thunder soon settled into their stride and took control as Uche Iroegbu nailed a three-pointer, followed by a precise teardrop shot a minute later.

This impressive offensive sequence rattled BVA, prompting them to call a timeout.

With all Thunder players pushing the tempo, they kept BVA on the defensive, securing the quarter with a dominant 23-13 score.

By halftime, Thunder had established a strong 14-point lead, setting the stage for a commanding performance in the second half.

The third quarter began scrappy, with back-and-forth action, as both teams hustled for three minutes without scoring a basket, though fouls abounded.

BVA eventually broke the stalemate by sinking the first basket off a technical foul called against Nairobi City Thunder star, Derrick Ogechi.

From that point, Thunder shifted gears and increased their lead to 16 points, showing a renewed sense of urgency. Their defense tightened, and they capitalized on nearly every possession.

 Ken Wachira scored two consecutive baskets, helping Thunder build momentum.

As the quarter neared its end, Albert Odero, also known as “Air Kenya,” electrified the crowd with a powerful slam dunk, stretching Thunder's lead to 20 points.

By the close of the third quarter, Thunder held a commanding 60-40 advantage.

Thunder did not ease up in the fourth quarter, starting with three quick baskets off fast-paced transition plays.

This aggressive surge threw BVA into a frenzy, prompting their coach to call a timeout in an attempt to slow Thunder down.

Yet, Nairobi City Thunder continued to dominate, asserting control over the remainder of the game. Their combination of relentless defense and offensive prowess kept BVA from Seychelles at bay, ensuring a comfortable cushion.

Thunder wrapped up the game with a decisive 31-point lead, clinching a solid 89-58 victory against a resilient BVA.

William Davis delivered a standout performance, earning the title of man of the match as he led the game in scoring, rebounding, and blocks.

With this impressive win behind them, Nairobi City Thunder will battle Burundi’s Urunani on Friday, October 18th, at 4 p.m. in the same venue.

Thunder’s strong debut has set the tone, and they’re eager to carry this momentum forward into the next round.