FOURTH-QUARTER SURGE SINKS MAKTOWN FLYERS AGAINST AL AHLY

Nigeria’s Maktown Flyers slipped to an 89–80 defeat against Al Ahly of Egypt in the Basketball Africa League on Wednesday, undone by a strong fourth-quarter finish and a major gap in bench contribution.

Despite a standout performance from James Butler Jr, who led all scorers with 29 points, the Nigerian side fell to their second loss in three games.

Maktown started brightly, knocking down early three-pointers to unsettle their opponents, but Al Ahly gradually took control.

Mohamed Khalaf’s three-pointer midway through the first quarter handed the Egyptians a lead they would not relinquish.

The decisive difference came from the bench, where Al Ahly outscored the Flyers 52–16, with Kevin Murphy contributing 22 points and Osayi Osifo adding 20 points and eight rebounds.

The Flyers stayed within reach heading into the final quarter, but were outscored 19–14 as Al Ahly closed out the win.

The result leaves Maktown at 1–2 in the Sahara Conference, with crucial games ahead in their push for a playoff spot.