JS Kairouan have picked the last ticket to the last four of the FIBA Africa Basketball League after they edged their local rivals Etoile Sportive Rades 74-73 on Saturday in Rades, Tunisia.
Jawhar Jawadi led the way for JSK with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Maori Nguirane had 15 points, six rebounds and four assists while Lawrence Gilbert Jr added 14 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Ahmed Addami got off the bench to score 10 points and hit two of his six 3-pointers for JSK.
ES Rades led in the first three quarters taking a 9 points lead to the final quarter 56-47 and were on course to avenge the first leg 68-67 defeat to JSK.
JSK however tied the game 65-65 with 3:03 left on the clock and later increased the gap to 3 points after Jawadi scored his free throws 73-70 with 26 seconds remaining in the game.
Es Rades forward, Omar Mouhli responded with a three point shot to tie the game 73-73 with 10 seconds remaining in the game but Mouhli fouled Gilbert 4 seconds later who then wrapped up the win for JSK with a free throw.
Deondre Parks scored a game high 22 points while Mohamed Hadidane who was one point and rebound short of a double-double scored nine points and nine rebounds with five assists to go with it.
ES Rades ended their hopes of making it to two consecutive finals losing the two game series 142-140 on aggregate.
Debutants JS Kairouan join 8-time champions Primeiro de Agosto, Smouha and defending champions AS Sale in the final four of the FIBA Africa Basketball League scheduled for next month.
