APR and US Monastir Claim Big Wins as BAL Playoffs Heat Up in Pretoria

Day two of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs in Pretoria delivered drama, upsets, and standout performances as Rwanda’s APR and Tunisia’s US Monastir claimed crucial victories to secure their places in the quarterfinals.

APR Upsets Defending Champs Petro de Luanda

In the opening game of the day, APR shocked defending champions Petro de Luanda with a convincing 75–57 win. It was a statement performance from the Rwandan side, who dominated from the outset and never looked back.

Forward Aliou Diarra was the standout performer, leading the way with a double-double — 19 points and 14 rebounds. He was supported by Nuni Omot, who added 15 points and six rebounds in a physical encounter.

Petro de Luanda, who have been one of the league’s most consistent teams in recent years, struggled to find a rhythm. Patrick Gardner led their effort with 13 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.

US Monastir Outlast Rivers Hoopers in High-Scoring Clash

Later in the evening, 2022 champions US Monastir battled Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers in a tightly contested matchup, eventually coming out on top 88–81.

Former NBA Academy Africa standout Babacar Sane lit up the scoreboard with 22 points, showcasing his range and composure under pressure. Point guard Patrick Hardy Jr. was instrumental in keeping the offence ticking, finishing with 17 points and nine assists.

Rivers Hoopers kept it competitive throughout, thanks largely to a stellar 28-point outing from Raphael Putney, but the Tunisians held firm in the closing minutes to secure the win and favourable seeding.

Quarterfinal Matchups Confirmed

With Saturday’s results, two quarterfinal matchups are now confirmed for Monday:

• APR (Rwanda) vs. Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria)
• US Monastir (Tunisia) vs. Petro de Luanda (Angola)

Both games promise high intensity, especially with APR riding the momentum of their win over Petro and Rivers Hoopers looking to bounce back.

More Knockout Action to Come

Sunday’s schedule brings two do-or-die quarterfinal fixtures:

• Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) vs. Kriol Star (Cape Verde) – 4:00 PM CAT
• Al Ittihad (Egypt) vs. FUS Rabat (Morocco) – 7:00 PM CAT

Each game is a win-or-go-home scenario, with the victors booking the final two spots in the semifinals.

Global Audience and Coverage

The 2025 BAL season continues to expand its reach, now broadcast in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages. Fans can catch the action through multiple platforms, including Canal+, ESPN, FIBA’s Courtside 1891, the NBA App, NBA.com, BAL.NBA.com, and BAL’s YouTube channel.

With the playoffs in full swing and the level of competition rising, Pretoria is shaping up to be the heart of African basketball this week.