2026 Road to BAL: Johannesburg Giants are through to the Elite 16

Johannesburg Giants - Matero 84-62

The Johannesburg Giants punched their ticket to the Elite 16 after a commanding 84-62 victory over Matero Magic in their Road to BAL 2026 qualifier.
Josh Ozabor (201-F-2002, college: Bryant) led the way for the Giants with 19 points, while Nino Dim (2000) delivered a strong double-double performance of 12 points and 12 rebounds. Nkosinathi Sibanyoni (208-PF-1998) was dominant on the boards, adding another double-double with 11 points and 18 rebounds.
Supporting the charge, Aviwe Mahlong (193-G/F-2001, college: E.Mennonite) and Pieter Prinsloo (208-PF-1992, college: Marist) each contributed 14 points, and Lehlogonolo Tholo (182-F-1992) chipped in 10 points to round out a balanced offensive effort for the South African side.
For Matero Magic, Jacob Mushinge (2004) was the lone bright spot, putting up a game-high 24 points in a valiant effort.
With this win, the Giants join the continent's top teams in the next stage of the Road to BAL 2026, continuing their pursuit of a place in the Basketball Africa League.