APR needed a win to underline their intentions to extend their dominance, and Teafale Lenard Jr. led the charge as they secured a crucial victory—at least for now.

Lenard Jr. scored a game-high 18 points to power APR to a 96-85 comeback win over RSSB Tigers in Game 3 of the Rwanda Basketball League semifinal playoffs at Petit Stade on Monday, August 10.

The American forward also contributed eight rebounds and five assists as the reigning Rwandan champions took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five semifinal series.

APR dominated the opening quarter, taking a 27-16 lead, but Tigers responded strongly in the second, winning the period 23-19 to reduce the deficit to seven points at halftime, with APR leading 46-39.

Tigers picked up where they left off after the break, winning the third quarter 34-28 to cut APR’s advantage to just one point heading into the final period. However, APR regained control in the fourth quarter, outscoring Tigers 22-12 to seal Game 3 and move within one win of the final.

Axel Mpoyo and Ntore Habimana added 17 points apiece, while Craig Randall Jr. chipped in with 16 points for APR.

In the other men’s semifinal, REG BBC edged Patriots 67-65 in a nail-biting Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead. REG now need just one more victory to book their place in the final, with Game 4 scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, at Petit Stade.

Meanwhile, in the women’s playoffs, APR levelled their semifinal series at 1-1 after edging Rwanda Energy Group (REG) 86-85 in Game 2.

Kepler also battled to a 45-40 victory over Hoops Rwanda in Game 2, leaving their semifinal series tied at 1-1.

The teams will return to action for Game 3 on Wednesday, August 12.