APR Basketball Club defended their Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT) title with a hard-fought 94–92 victory over UGB, while REG Women’s BBC defeated JKL Lady Dolphins to win the 2025 women’s crown.
April 27 marked the climax of the GMT 2025, with Rwanda’s reigning league champions continuing their dominance.
APR, the 2024 Rwanda Basketball League champions and GMT defending champions, overcame UGB 94–92 in a thrilling and high-scoring final. The game’s intensity was evident throughout, culminating in a dramatic finish.
Despite standout performances from UGB — including a triple-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists by Mohamed Doumbya, and a 26-point, 9-rebound effort from Amotoe James Kofi — APR narrowly edged them by two points.
In a back-and-forth battle, APR leaned on their depth, rotating their squad to match UGB’s relentless energy. Even after injuries sidelined key players Osborn Shema and Nobel Boungou, APR’s experience shone through.
Seasoned guard Chasson Randle, formerly of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and Orlando Magic, nailed a clutch three-pointer that reclaimed the lead in the final moments — a blow from which UGB could not recover.
Randle’s leadership and poise earned him the GMT 2025 Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. This tournament marked his debut in Rwanda, where he made an immediate impact on APR’s passionate fans.
In the women’s final, REG Women’s BBC defeated Uganda’s JKL Lady Dolphins 65–61, led by Ramla Umunezero’s 15 points, Odile Tetero’s 10 points, and Gloriose Byukusenge’s 10 points.
Shadia Nassanga starred for the Dolphins with a game-high 19 points.
REG’s center Maiga Kadidia was named the tournament MVP, averaging 14.3 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.
Elsewhere, Dar City from Tanzania finished third in the men’s category, while Kenya’s KPA claimed third place in the women’s competition.
The Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT) is an annual event organized by the Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the Rwanda Olympic Committee. It honors members of the basketball community who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
FERWABA commemorates more than 30 basketball fraternity members lost during the genocide against Tutsi.
