On Sunday, the BAL 2025 Nile Conference continued at BK Arena, delivering high-energy basketball action on the second day of the competition. The opening match showcased Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli BBC overpowering Kenya's Nairobi City Thunder with a record-breaking score of 115-87—the highest single-team score in BAL history.
Later in the day at 5:30 PM, APR BBC, Rwanda's representative team, faced off against South Africa’s Made By Basketball (MBB). The game kicked off with spectacular energy as Ntore Habimana nailed the first three points for APR BBC, shortly matched by Pieter Prinsloo of MBB with his own three-pointer.
APR BBC, backed by the Rwandan Armed Forces, held the lead for much of the first quarter. However, MBB turned the tables late in the quarter, powered by key players such as Omar Thielemans. The quarter ended with MBB leading 26-23.
The second quarter saw APR BBC push hard to close the gap, with Obadiah Noel showcasing his scoring prowess to level the game. Despite these efforts, MBB regained momentum as Pieter Prinsloo delivered stellar performances, widening their lead by eight points at one stage.
In the last five minutes of the second quarter, APR BBC made a strong attempt to shrink the deficit, thanks to contributions from Youssoupha Ndoye. However, the first half closed with MBB ahead by a slim margin, leading 47-45.
After halftime, APR BBC returned with incredible determination, dominating the third quarter and overturning the earlier deficit. Exceptional play from Aliou Diarra and Youssoupha Ndoye saw APR BBC piling on points at a rapid pace. By the end of the quarter, APR BBC had pulled ahead to lead decisively, 73-59.
In the fourth and final quarter, MBB fought valiantly to reduce the gap, with impactful efforts from Teafale Lenard. Yet, APR BBC’s resilience and teamwork prevailed. Supported by the passionate fans at BK Arena, APR BBC sealed their victory with an impressive final score of 103-81.
The exciting game caught the attention of President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, who were present to cheer APR BBC during the competition, following their attendance at the previous day’s matches.
With this crucial win, APR BBC bolstered its chances of advancing to the BAL finals. The team now needs just one more victory in its upcoming fixtures to secure qualification.
The BAL 2025 Nile Conference will resume next Tuesday at BK Arena. MBB will face Nairobi City Thunder at 4:00 PM, followed by APR BBC taking on Al Ahli Tripoli BBC at 7:00 PM.
APR BBC triumphed over MBB with a score of 103-81.
APR BBC claimed their second victory of the tournament.
