APR BBC, representing Rwanda, delivered a spectacular performance in front of President Paul Kagame by defeating Kenya’s Nairobi City Thunder with a commanding score of 92-63. The game marked APR BBC’s first victory in the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) within the Nile Conference, setting a strong tone for the tournament.
Held at BK Arena in Kigali, this was APR’s second consecutive participation in BAL, aiming to redeem themselves after a disappointing group-stage exit in their debut appearance.
The game opened at a high tempo, with both sides showing determination and speed. Nairobi City Thunder narrowly led the first quarter 23-22, with key contributions from players like Miler Junior, Axel Mpoyo, Noel Obadiah, and Cheick Dieng.
In the second quarter, APR BBC surged ahead with a renewed intensity, powered by standout performances from Axel Mpoyo, Chasson Randle, and Dane Miller Jr. Their scoring spree gave APR a halftime lead of 39-31.
The momentum carried into the third quarter, where Aliou Diarra, Youssoupha Ndoye, and Randle extended APR’s lead to 59-51, despite Thunder’s efforts through Taylor Okari Ongwae and Kennedy Murithi.
APR BBC dominated the final stretch of the game. A flurry of points from William Robeyns, Chasson Randle, and Aliou Diarra overwhelmed the Kenyan side, which struggled with turnovers that APR converted into fast-break points. The Rwandan champions closed the game with a 29-point margin.
MVP Performances
Aliou Diarra was named Player of the Game, contributing 21 points, closely followed by Chasson Randle with 20 points. Their dynamic play and leadership were crucial in APR’s emphatic win.
Other Group Results
In another Nile Conference match played the same day, Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya defeated Made by Basketball from South Africa with a score of 87-77.
Road to BAL Finals
Only the top two teams from the Nile Conference will qualify for the BAL Finals, scheduled for June 6–14, 2025 in South Africa. So far, five teams have already secured their spots:
Al Ittihad (Egypt)
Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria)
US Monastir (Tunisia)
Petro de Luanda (Angola)
Kriol Star (Cape Verde)
Upcoming Games – May 18, 2025
Nairobi City Thunder vs Al Ahli Tripoli at 14:30
APR BBC vs Made by Basketball at 17:30
APR BBC will look to continue their winning momentum and bring pride to Rwandan basketball fans in this prestigious continental tournament.
