All eyes were on El-Wak Stadium as the Spintex Knights began their title defense — but for the first time in years, without their talisman. Two-time Playoffs MVP James Amotoe’s high-profile move to Rwandan side United Generations Basketball (UGB) had sent shockwaves across the league. For many, it felt like the beginning of the end for the Knights’ three-year dominance.

Airforce, unfancied and largely written off after last season, smelled blood.

Close, But Not Enough

From the opening tip, Airforce played like a team with something to prove. Defensively sharp and composed in possession, they trailed the Knights by just a single point heading into the third quarter — a feat that had the packed El-Wak crowd on edge.

But champions are built for moments like these. With the game slipping away, Knights coach Thomas Selorm abandoned his experimental starting five in the fourth quarter and reintroduced his core unit. The shift paid off immediately. The cohesion returned, the pace improved, and so did the scoreboard. The Nobles closed strong, sealing a hard-fought win that extended their unbeaten ABL run.

New Chapter, New Faces

Much of the pre-game talk was about who would fill the void left by Amotoe. While Henry Horlali was tipped to take center stage, it was new recruit Luak Ruai who stole the spotlight. In his ABL debut, the South Sudanese forward dropped 11 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, bringing much-needed energy and size to the floor. A statement performance that suggests the Knights may already have their next star in the making.

Cause for Concern?

Despite the win, the Knights looked far from the fluid, fearsome unit fans have grown used to. Just 6 assists across four quarters tells the story — individual brilliance papered over structural cracks. Coach Selorm will be fully aware that against more clinical opposition, these flaws could prove costly.

Airforce Send a Message.

While the result may not have gone their way, Airforce walked away with heads held high. Written off by many as relegation candidates, their intensity and tactical execution gave the defending champions a real scare. If they can replicate this level of play moving forward, survival — and perhaps even mid-table security — is well within reach.