AFCON 2025
APR delivered a commanding performance on Monday, routing Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers 104–73 at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria to book a semifinal showdown against Al Ahli Tripoli on Wednesday.
The Rwandan champions were in control from the opening tip and never trailed throughout the game. Their 31-point victory marked the largest margin in the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs so far.
They also became just the second team to surpass the 100-point mark in the playoffs, joining Al Ahli Tripoli, who previously beat Kriol Star 107–81.
APR’s relentless defense set the tone early, forcing the Hoopers into four shot-clock violations within the first few minutes. Their aggressive defensive strategy was matched by clinical offensive execution, as they stormed to a 57–32 halftime lead.
With three-point attempts failing to land, the Hoopers were forced to drive inside. However, APR’s defense packed the paint and consistently shut down those efforts, leaving the Nigerian champions frustrated.
Nuni Omot led APR’s scoring with 21 points, while Aliou Diarra registered his fifth double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Chasson Randle also contributed 15 points in a well-rounded offensive showing. As the second half progressed, APR built on their strong foundation, extending their lead to 30 points (74–44) at one stage.
The Hoopers struggled mightily from beyond the arc, converting just 7 of 30 three-point attempts, while APR hit 11 of their 22 shots from long range. Madut Akec was the top scorer for the Hoopers with 21 points, and Raphael Putney added 12—all from three-point range.
Veteran guard Jean-Jacques Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumkiza, a seasoned BAL player featuring in his fifth season, praised APR’s transformation and team chemistry. Reflecting on their earlier 3–3 record in the Nile Conference, he noted the team’s growth and new-found cohesion.
“Back home, we didn’t perform at the level we wanted because it was our first time playing together in such a major event,” he said. “But our new players and coaching staff have made a big difference. Now, our style is clicking, and everyone is aligned with the same goal.”
“With two games left, I believe we have a real shot at the championship.”
Rivers Hoopers power forward Peter Olisemeka acknowledged APR’s dominant defense as the deciding factor in the game.
“They kept us out of the paint and made it hard to get inside,” said Olisemeka, who finished with six points and seven rebounds. “Credit to them for playing with such energy. We gave it our best, but missed too many opportunities.”
