APR WBBC Secures Quarter-Final Spot in AWBBL with Hard-Fought Win Over SC Alexandria

APR WBBC advanced to the quarter-finals of the Africa Women’s Basketball League (AWBBL) after a thrilling 74-72 victory over SC Alexandria of Egypt, in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The match, held on Tuesday night, December 10, 2024, in Dakar, Senegal, was a pivotal moment in Group B of the tournament. It was a tough challenge for the Rwandan side, as Alexandria are the reigning champions of the competition, making them a formidable opponent.

The game began with both teams closely matched, with a narrow point difference throughout the first quarter. APR, however, managed to pull ahead, led by the stellar performance of Kierstan Bell. The Rwandan team ended the first quarter with a 19-15 lead.

In the second quarter, Alexandria came charging back, demonstrating their strength with a series of well-executed plays. Hala Elshaarawy was particularly impressive, scoring heavily for her team. The quarter ended with Alexandria leading 19-15, leveling the game at 34-34 by halftime.

The final buzzer sounded with APR WBBC triumphing.

The third quarter saw both teams continue to exchange leads. APR kept up the pressure, with contributions from Italee Lucas and Bell, while Alexandria responded with points from Elshaarawy and Lianna Tillman. Alexandria narrowly won the quarter 22-20, bringing the game to a tense 56-54 in their favor.

The final quarter was a high-scoring affair, with Alexandria starting strong, asserting their dominance as the more experienced team. However, APR refused to back down, keeping the scoreline close and maintaining the pressure. In the final minutes, Italee Lucas and Shaina Pellington stepped up, sinking key points to secure the win for APR.

The final buzzer sounded with APR WBBC triumphing 74-72, earning their place in the quarter-finals. Finishing second in Group B, they will now face the Friend’s Basketball Association (FBA) of Côte d’Ivoire, who topped the group.

Meanwhile, REG WBBC, also representing Rwanda in the tournament, will play their final group-stage game in Group C on Wednesday, December 11, against Senegal’s Jeanne d’Arc. With both teams tied at three points, the match promises to be another exciting contest as they battle for a spot in the next stage of the competition.