Obadiah Noel’s Buzzer-Beater Sends APR to BAL Playoffs; Al Ahli Tripoli Completes Perfect Nile Conference Run
Rwanda’s APR clinched a dramatic last-second win over Nairobi City Thunder, securing their spot in the 2025 BAL Playoffs, while Al Ahli Tripoli dominated MBB to finish the Nile Conference undefeated.
May 28, 2025
The 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Nile Conference concluded on Sunday, May 25, with two decisive games that determined the playoff picture.
In the first matchup, South Africa's Made by Basketball (MBB) faced the unbeaten Al Ahli Tripoli. MBB needed a victory and a significant point differential to bolster their playoff hopes. However, Al Ahli Tripoli, led by standout performances from Jaylen Adams and Assem Marei, dominated the game, winning 102–73. This victory marked Al Ahli's sixth consecutive win, completing a perfect 6–0 run in the conference. MBB's loss, coupled with a –63 point differential, destroyed their hope of advancing to the playoffs.
The evening game featured Rwanda's APR against Nairobi City Thunder (NCT). APR, aiming to secure their playoff spot, faced a resilient NCT team energized by their first win against MBB. NCT started strong, leading the first half with scores of 19–17 and 26–18. However, APR rallied in the second half, outscoring NCT 20–16 in the third quarter and 22–13 in the fourth. With the game tied at 74–74 and just three seconds remaining, Obadiah Noel hit a clutch buzzer-beater, sealing a 77–74 victory for APR and ensuring their place in the playoffs.
Final Nile Conference Standings:
Al Ahli Tripoli (6–0): Undefeated conference champions.
APR (3–3): Secured second place and playoff qualification.
MBB (2–4): Third place.
Nairobi City Thunder (1–5): Finished fourth in the conference.
ALSO READ: Lenard Jr Sets BAL Scoring Record Despite MBB’s Defeat to Nairobi City Thunder
With the Nile Conference concluded, Al Ahli Tripoli and APR advance to the BAL Playoffs, set to take place in Pretoria, South Africa, from June 6 to June 14. The playoffs will feature eight teams competing in single-elimination games to crown the 2025 BAL champion.
Upcoming BAL Playoff Matchups:
June 6, 4:00 PM: Kriol Star (Cape Verde) vs. FUS Rabat (Morocco)
June 6, 7:00 PM: Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) vs. Al Ittihad Alexandria (Egypt)
June 7, 4:00 PM: Petro de Luanda (Angola) vs. APR (Rwanda)
June 7, 7:00 PM: US Monastir (Tunisia) vs. Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria)
Fans can look forward to an exciting playoff series as the top teams from across Africa compete for the 2025 BAL championship.
A story by Ballerzone.
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