Friday, July 11
Game 5
APR 81-72 REG (APR win series 4-1)
APR basketball club were Friday, July 11, crowned champions of Rwanda after triumphing over REG 81-72 in Game 5 of the Rwanda Basketball League finals series 4-1.
It was the army side’s 16th record extending championship since its establishment in 1995.
They will now represent Rwanda in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2026.
ALSO READ: Filer scores 21 points as APR avoid REG comeback in Game 4
APR held a narrow 17-15 margin in the opening quarter, but REG bounced back to win the second quarter 20-18 to tie the game 35-35 before the pair headed into the half-time break.
Back in the second half, APR retained the lead after winning the third quarter 21-19 and final quarter 25-18 to take home the championship winning game with 81-72.
Center Youssou Ndoye again starred for APR when he scored a game high 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals, while his teammates Antino Jackson and Adonis Filer contributed 20 and 9 points respectively.
The Senegalese star, who joined APR in April prior to the BAL 2025, was named Most Valuable player (MVP) for the Playoffs 2025 as reward for his performances during the semifinals and finals series against Patriots and REG respectively.
With the win, APR won the championship the third time in a row. On top of the trophy, the team took home a cash prize of Rwf15 million.
APR have now won the national championship 16 times: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009 and 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Past champions since 2009
2025: APR
2024: APR
2023: APR
2022: REG
2021: REG
2020: Patriots
2019: Patriots
2018: Patriots
2017: REG
2016: Patriots
2015: Espoir
2014: Espoir
2013: Espoir
2012: Espoir
2011: Kigali Basketball Club
2010: Kigali Basketball club
2009: APR.