Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers saw their Basketball Africa League (BAL) campaign come to a crushing end on Monday, suffering a 104–73 defeat to Rwanda’s Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) in the quarter-finals.
The KingsMen, who reached the semi-finals last season, failed to replicate their heroics this time as APR overwhelmed them from the opening tip at the BK Arena in Kigali. With this win, APR advances to face Al Ahli Tripoli in Wednesday’s semi-final, while Rivers Hoopers are left to reflect on a tough night that never really got going.
APR seized control early, racing to a 24–11 lead by the end of the first quarter. While Madut Akec offered some resistance with a lively performance, Rivers Hoopers struggled to convert their chances and were frequently outpaced in transition.
Raphiael Putney briefly ignited hopes of a comeback with three quick three-pointers in the second quarter, but APR quickly adjusted, clamping down defensively and stifling further momentum.
Coach Ogoh Odaudu. Photo Credit: Getty Images
At the other end, the Rwandan side continued to fire on all cylinders, with center Youssou Ndoye asserting his dominance in the paint and Aliou Diarra and Nuni Omot joining the scoring spree.
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By halftime, APR had built a commanding 57–32 lead, capped by a smooth jumper from Omot just before the buzzer. The onslaught continued in the third quarter as APR extended their advantage to 83–52, rendering the final period little more than a formality.
Despite the tactical guidance of Coach Ogoh Odaudu, the 2024 BAL Coach of the Year, Rivers Hoopers were unable to mount a meaningful response. APR’s cohesive play and sharp shooting proved too much, and the KingsMen never looked like turning the tide.
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Diarra finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Chasson Randle added 15 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals. Omot led APR in scoring with 21 points. For Rivers Hoopers, Akec matched Omot with 21 points and added six steals in a spirited individual performance, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
This marks only the second time a Rwandan team has reached the BAL semi-finals, the first being the Patriots in the tournament’s inaugural 2021 edition. For the Hoopers, it’s back to the drawing board as they aim to regroup and return stronger next season.
