Rivers Hoopers defeat APR to achieve historic back-to-back wins at BAL

Will Perry of the Rivers Hoopers shoots the ball during the game against the Armee Patriotique Rwandaise on May 5, 2024 at Dakar Arena in Diamniadia, Senegal. (Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE)

Five-time Nigerian basketball champions, Rivers Hoopers, reached a historic milestone at the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) on Sunday by defeating Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) 86-82. With this victory, they became the first Nigerian team to win consecutive games at the BAL.

This achievement followed their earlier triumph over AS Douanes, the 2023 BAL runners-up, in their Sahara Conference opener.

In this closely contested encounter, the KingsMen showed great composure and effective game management to overcome a resilient APR team that had previously beaten former champions US Monastir of Tunisia in an overtime victory in their opening fixture. The Rwandan side started strong, scoring the first points of the game, but Rivers Hoopers’ Will Perry quickly responded, leading the team with a remarkable performance.

Throughout the game, both teams displayed high energy and skill, with Rivers Hoopers gaining a slim lead by the end of the first quarter at 19-18. The teams continued to battle fiercely, with the lead changing hands multiple times, resulting in a tied score of 40-40 at halftime.

Devine Eke of the Rivers Hoopers dunks the ball during the game against the Armee Patriotique Rwandaise on May 5, 2024 at Dakar Arena in Diamniadia, Senegal. (Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE)

In the second half, Rivers Hoopers managed to pull ahead, maintaining a slim lead throughout the third quarter and into the final minutes of the game. Despite a late surge from APR, Rivers Hoopers held on to their lead, with Perry sealing the victory with two crucial