In front of the President of the Republic, Paul Kagame, and a large crowd of fans at BK Arena, Rwanda’s representative APR BBC defeated Nairobi City Thunder from Kenya with a score of 92-63, marking a strong start in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2025, in the Nile Conference group.
This match took place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, and was characterized by intensity and determination from both sides, but APR BBC ultimately proved they are ready to contend for the continental title.
First quarter: Nairobi takes the early lead
The first quarter ended with Nairobi City Thunder ahead 23-22 over APR BBC. Players from both teams were looking for early dominance, with Axel Mpoyo and Dane Miller Jr stepping up for APR, while Taylor Ongwae and Kennedy Murithi led the charge for the Kenyan side.
Second quarter: APR BBC regains control
In the second quarter, APR BBC came back stronger and more determined to take the lead. This effort paid off, as they went into halftime ahead with a 39-31 lead. Chasson Randle, Dane Miller Jr, and Axel Mpoyo thrilled the home crowd with crucial baskets.
Third quarter: APR BBC widens the gap
The third quarter saw APR BBC intensify their dominance, with Aliou Diarra and Youssoupha Ndoye teaming up with Randle to extend the lead. Although Nairobi City Thunder tried to close the gap through Ongwae and Murithi, it wasn’t enough. APR BBC finished the quarter leading 59-51.
Final quarter: APR BBC seals the win
In the last quarter, APR BBC kept their momentum, adding 29 more points while limiting Nairobi’s offense. William Robeyns and Aliou Diarra continued to frustrate the Kenyan side, with Diarra eventually being named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) after scoring 21 points, followed by Chasson Randle with 20 points.
Next games and outlook
With this win, APR BBC celebrated a promising start and will return to the court on Sunday, May 18, 2025, to face Made by Basketball from South Africa at 5:30 PM. Nairobi City Thunder will play against Al Ahli Tripoli at 2:30 PM.
APR BBC’s head coach described it as a great start but emphasized that the journey is still long. He praised his players’ efforts and thanked the fans for their support.
In the BAL 2025 tournament, the top two teams from the Nile Conference will qualify for the final rounds scheduled to take place in South Africa from June 6 to 14, 2025. These teams will join Al Ittihad (Egypt), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), US Monastir (Tunisia), Petro de Luanda (Angola), and Kriol Star (Cape Verde), who have already secured their spots.
