APR Basketball Club defeated Orion 96-77, securing their 12th consecutive victory in the Rwanda Basketball League.
The back-to-back defending champions asserted their dominance on Friday night at Petit Stade, outscoring Orion to maintain their unbeaten run.
This game made history as the first-ever NBA alumnus stepped onto the court in the Rwanda Basketball League.
APR’s Jordan McRae received applause for his #RBL25 debut.
The former player for the Pistons, Nuggets, Suns, Wizards, and Cavs is the first NBA alum in the league.
A 2016 NBA champion, McRae is in 🇷🇼 to help APR defend their league and improve their performance in the BAL. pic.twitter.com/psUSmj56wx
— Ground Sports (@GroundSports1) March 28, 2025
Orion put up a strong fight against a well-rounded APR squad but struggled to keep up as the game progressed, relying heavily on just two key players.
Point guard Stubbs Jeffery Tyrone was a major offensive threat for Orion, scoring 25 points, but APR head coach James Edwards Maye Jr. made the necessary adjustments to contain him in crucial moments.
In the paint, Garba Chingka Kennedy was a dominant force, tallying 22 points and 14 rebounds, forcing APR to double-team him, as Aliou Diarra alone struggled to stop him.
Despite the 19-point margin, the score does not fully reflect the intensity of the game. APR took control in the final quarter, neutralizing Orion’s key players and capitalizing on their physicality while also sinking multiple long-range shots to seal the victory.
Adonis Filer played a crucial role in the second half with strong perimeter defense on Stubbs, helping APR extend their winning streak.
Aliou Diarra led APR with 20 points and 14 rebounds, followed by Adonis Filer with 16 points, Ntore Habimana with 15 points, and both Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza and Axel Mpoyo contributing 13 points each.
For Orion, Stubbs Jeffery Tyrone delivered an impressive performance with 25 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds, while Garba Chingka Kennedy added 22 points and 14 rebounds. Captain Belleck also made an impact with 13 points.
APR’s unbeaten streak now stands at 12-0 while Orion currently sits in sixth place with a 3-7 record.
Photos: Innocent Shema
