APR's Commanding Performance in Kigali

In a thrilling encounter at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Nile Conference, Rwanda's Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) showcased their dominance with a 103-81 victory over South Africa's Made By Ball (MBB). The game, held in Kigali, saw APR capitalize on a third-quarter collapse by MBB to secure their second consecutive win.

President Kagame's Presence

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has witnessed his country's teams face numerous challenges in previous BAL seasons, was present to celebrate this significant victory. His support has been a morale booster for the team, which has now won both of its opening fixtures.

Key Moments and Players

The game was marked by intense competition and several key moments. APR's Ntore Habimana opened the scoring with an early three-pointer, setting the tone for the match. Despite MBB's initial resistance, APR's consistent performance, led by Aliou Diarra's 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks, proved decisive.

MBB's Struggles

For MBB, the loss marks their second consecutive defeat in the league. Despite a strong start, they were unable to maintain their intensity in the second half, leading to a significant margin of defeat. Coach Sam Vincent acknowledged the team's inexperience and the need for improvement as they aim for playoff qualification.

Looking Ahead

APR will face Al Ahli Tripoli in their next game, aiming to solidify their position at the top of the conference. Meanwhile, MBB will look to bounce back against NCT, hoping to improve their record and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Coach Insights

APR coach James Maye Jr. emphasized the importance of physicality and resilience in their preparation, which played a crucial role in their second-half performance. Vincent, on the other hand, highlighted the need for patience and better ball movement in future games.

Conclusion

The BAL continues to bring exciting basketball action to Africa, with APR's victory in Kigali being a testament to the growing talent and competitive spirit in the league. Fans can look forward to more thrilling matches as the season progresses.