APR of Rwanda punched its ticket to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Semifinals with a commanding 104–73 victory over Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers. Nuni Omot led the charge with 21 points, while Aliou Diarra delivered a double-double performance, recording 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Rwandan side impressed with their efficiency, shooting 50% from three-point range and a blistering 62.5% from the field.
For Rivers Hoopers, Madut Akec matched Omot’s output with 21 points of his own, while Raphael Putney contributed 12 points in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort.
Meanwhile, reigning BAL champions Petro de Luanda (Angola) are headed back to the semifinals after a 95–84 win over Tunisia’s US Monastir. Kendrick Ray led all scorers with 20 points, supported by Yanick Moreira’s 15-point effort. US Monastir was paced by Patrick Hardy Jr. with 17 points, while Firas Lahyani added 15.
The BAL Semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, July 11, featuring two high-stakes matchups:
Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) vs. APR (Rwanda) at 4:00 p.m. CAT
Al Ittihad (Egypt) vs. Petro de Luanda (Angola) at 7:00 p.m. CAT
The stage is set for a thrilling semifinal round as four of Africa’s top basketball clubs battle for a spot in the BAL Finals.
