Lenard Jr Sets BAL Scoring Record Despite MBB’s Defeat to Nairobi City Thunder

In a dramatic showdown on this Saturday afternoon at BK Arena, Teafale Lenard Jr. lit up the scoreboard with a record-breaking 39-point performance, but South Africa’s MBB couldn’t capitalize on his heroics, falling 85-76 to Kenya’s Nairobi City Thunder (NCT). This marked NCT’s first win in the 2025 Nile Conference qualifiers after four consecutive losses.

The game opened with MBB showing early dominance, taking the first quarter 24-20. However, Nairobi City Thunder turned the momentum in the second quarter, outscoring MBB 21-15 to take a narrow halftime lead. The third quarter remained tight, with both teams battling hard, but NCT found another gear in the fourth—scoring a stunning 30 points to close out the game and seal a crucial 9-point win.

Quarter-by-quarter breakdown:

1. Q1: MBB 24 - 20 NCT

2. Q2: MBB 15 - 21 NCT

3. Q3: MBB 15 - 14 NCT

4. Q4: MBB 22 - 30 NCT

Despite the loss, all eyes were on Teafale Lenard Jr., who etched his name into the BAL record books. His 39-point explosion is now the highest number of points scored by a player in a single game in BAL history—surpassing previous marks and delivering one of the most electrifying performances the league has seen. His offensive outburst kept MBB in the game until the final moments.

ALSO READ: Rwanda's APR Drops Two Straight, Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance at BAL Nile Conference 2025.

However, the result places MBB in a precarious position in the standings. Coming into the match with hopes of climbing to second place behind the undefeated Al Ahli Tripoli, MBB's loss now gives the home team, Rwanda’s APR, a slight edge. Both APR and MBB currently hold two wins.

This sets up a crucial game later today, Saturday, May 24th, as APR faces Al Ahli Tripoli in a matchup that could decide their playoff fate. Rwandan fans are hopeful with the return of star center Aliou Diarra, who missed the last two losses due to a hamstring injury but is now back in the lineup.

With the Nile Conference heating up and one game remaining for each team, the battle for the final playoff spot continues to intensify.

A story by Gentil RAFIKI.