The Fyllingen Lions came out strong against reigning ENBL champions, Bakken Bears, leading 23–22 early in the second quarter. At halftime, the game remained close, with the Danish side holding a slim 40–43 lead. However, the third quarter showcased why Bakken Bears won: an overwhelming 17–2 run over eight minutes effectively decided the match.

Fyllingen responded with a spirited start to the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 52–60. But Bakken tightened their grip and secured an 87–70 victory.

“Bakken has four skilled American players and a very professional, well-funded team,” said Fyllingen head coach Calix Black Ndiaye. “It’s encouraging for our guys to see that the gap between us and them isn’t too big.”

He added: “Let’s be clear—they are a better team than us. But we matched them for two quarters before they started making their shots, while we missed attempts we usually convert. From there, it was an uphill battle, and we just couldn’t regain momentum.”

Karamo Jawara Returns to Action

One of the highlights for Fyllingen was the long-awaited return of Karamo Jawara to Norwegian club basketball after more than a year away. The 33-year-old forward recorded a modest stat line of 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block in 21 minutes of play. Yet his impact extended far beyond the numbers.

“Karamo is smart and experienced. He elevates the team, positioning the guys correctly on defense. His high basketball IQ and ability to read the game perfectly create easy scoring opportunities for us,” Ndiaye praised.

Injuries and Standout Performances

Fyllingen was once again without Bouna Black Ndiaye, sidelined with a knee injury. Coach Ndiaye is optimistic about his younger brother’s return for Tuesday’s away game against Brno in the Czech Republic.

Dashawn Davis led the team with 20 points and was named MVP. Nikolas Skouen followed with 12 points, while Joel Kanyinda delivered a strong performance with 9 points and 11 rebounds. Lars Espe also impressed, contributing 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Despite hitting just 4 of 18 three-point attempts, which could have made the game more competitive, Fyllingen showed resilience and promise against one of Europe’s toughest teams. The Lions walk away with valuable experience to build on for the rest of the season.

Photos by Brage Æsøy Titlestad and Henriette Wilhelmine Skouen