The second day of the basketball tournament held in memory of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi brought thrilling performances and surprise upsets on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
One of the most anticipated games featured Rwanda’s APR BBC clashing with Kenya’s KPA. Fans were eager to see new recruits Yousouf Ndoye and Chasson Randle in action, as the military-backed APR squad tested their new additions. Opinions were divided after the game—some were impressed, while others argued KPA wasn’t a strong enough test.
APR BBC left little doubt, dominating KPA with a 99-58 victory. The Rwandan side burst out of the gates, scoring a 9-0 run within the first two minutes thanks to back-to-back three-pointers by Axel Mpoyo and Robin Williams. Though KPA narrowed the gap through standout player Morel Spencer, APR finished the first quarter ahead 26-21.
In the second quarter, Ndoye and Randle began to show their quality, pushing APR to a comfortable 53-35 halftime lead.
Despite hopes of a KPA comeback after the break, APR tightened its grip on the game. Justin nailed three consecutive three-pointers, widening the lead as KPA struggled—clearly worn out from having played earlier that day in a postponed game against REG BBC. That game had been delayed due to KPA’s late arrival in Rwanda.
By the end of the third quarter, APR was ahead 75-45, and continued its dominance in the final frame with contributions from Justin and Otobo Israel, closing the game at 99-61.
Elsewhere in the tournament, UGB BBC became the first team to secure a spot in the men’s semifinals after a hard-fought 75-71 win over Dar City of Tanzania. UGB topped Group B with two straight wins, including a narrow 67-65 victory over Patriots BBC.
In the earlier rescheduled match, KPA shocked many by defeating REG BBC 58-55.
In the women’s games, APR WBBC edged Kepler WBBC 58-55, while JKL Dolphins cruised past East Africa University Rwanda 94-73.
The tournament continues Friday with these matchups:
- Women: KPA vs APR WBBC at 13:30, JKL Dolphins vs REG WBBC at 16:00
- Men: Dar City vs Patriots BBC at 18:30, APR BBC vs REG BBC at 21:00
If both Patriots and REG BBC lose, they will be eliminated from the tournament.