RSSB Tigers sent an early warning to defending champions APR with a commanding 97-82 victory in Game 1 of the Rwanda Basketball League semi-finals playoffs at BK Arena on Wednesday night, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

American forward Tyler Tarik Bey delivered a dominant performance with 39 points and 11 rebounds as the Tigers outplayed the regular-season top seed to take an early 1-0 series.

The playoffs started at a big pace, with both teams fully aware that the league champions will earn Rwanda's place in next season's Basketball Africa League (BAL).

RSSB Tigers are aiming to return to Africa's premier club competition for a second appearance, while APR are determined to reclaim their place on the continental stage.

The contest was evenly balanced early on, with the first quarter ending 22-22. APR edged the second period 26-21 to take a 48-43 lead into halftime.

However, Henry Mwinuka's Tigers emerged from the break with renewed intensity. Capitalising on APR's defensive lapses, they dominated the second half, winning the third quarter 28-20 before closing out the game with a commanding 26-16 fourth quarter.

Ivorian shooting guard Nisre Zouzoua added 21 points for the Tigers, while point guard Antino Jackson chipped in with 12.

For APR, American guard Leonard Craig Randall led the scoring with 25 points, while Adonis Filer contributed 14 and Osborn Shema added eight.

In the other semi-final, Patriots also drew first blood after defeating Rwanda Energy Group (REG) 84-75.

American guard Franklin Damaria starred for Patriots with a game-high 26 points to help his side secure a 1-0 lead in the series.

The four teams will return to BK Arena on Friday, August 7, for Game 2 of the best-of-five semi-final series.