APR Crush Gladiators 97–42 in Ruthless WBLA Qualifiers Masterclass to Send Message to Rivals

APR Crush Gladiators 97–42 in Ruthless WBLA Qualifiers Masterclass to Send Message to Rivals

If there was any doubt about who’s setting the pace in the FIBA Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) 2025 Qualifiers, APR erased it with authority. The Rwandan powerhouse delivered a commanding 97–42 demolition of the Zimbabwean club, Gladiators in Nairobi, announcing themselves as an early tournament frontrunner with a performance that was equal parts precision, poise, and power.

From the opening tip, APR dictated the rhythm and never let up. Their quarter-by-quarter dominance—24–10, 25–10, 29–13, and 19–9—told the story of a team that came prepared, confident, and laser-focused. The Gladiators, despite flashes of energy, were caught in a storm they couldn’t weather.

APR’s game plan was built on ruthless efficiency. Shooting 55.4% from the field and 61.5% from the free-throw line, they executed with the precision of a team that knows every possession matters in a qualifier of this magnitude. Their ability to turn defence into offence was particularly striking. Once they found their rhythm, the Rwandans reeled off a blistering 14–0 run early and, at one point, went on a 21–0 scoring streak, effectively sealing the game before halftime.

But what made APR’s performance truly impressive was their balance. Kamba Diakite, Asuma Uwizeye, and Yacine Diop led the scoring parade, combining for 46 points, while role players filled in seamlessly around them. Every trip down the floor looked calculated; every rotation on defence looked practised.

APR’s defensive performance was just as lethal. Holding the Gladiators to 42 points—10 in each of the first two quarters—was proof of how disciplined and connected the unit was. They closed passing lanes, contested shots, and forced the Zimbabwean side into uncomfortable, rushed looks throughout the night.

For the Gladiators, this one will be harrowing. Shooting woes plagued them from start to finish, as they managed just 25% from the floor. Turnovers and rushed shots compounded their problems, and they never found the scoring rhythm needed to stay competitive.

Kadidiatou Traoré provided the lone spark for the Gladiators, scoring 10 points—the only player to hit double digits. But beyond her effort, the team lacked cohesion. Missed assignments on defence and breakdowns in transition opened the door for APR’s 29-point third quarter, a knockout blow that effectively ended any hope of a comeback.

The gap in experience was evident. While APR’s roster looked like a seasoned, synchronised unit, the Gladiators appeared to be still searching for chemistry, particularly against high-level defensive pressure.

With two automatic qualification spots available for the continental championships, APR’s emphatic win not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens their points differential, crucial in group play. For the Gladiators, this loss is a wake-up call. They’ll need to regroup quickly, sharpen their offensive sets, and rediscover belief if they want to stay alive in the qualifiers.

Still, beyond the lopsided scoreline lies a broader narrative: the continued rise of women’s basketball in Africa. Performances like APR’s showcase how structure, investment, and preparation can elevate the game across the continent.

In the end, APR’s 97–42 win was more than a statement; it was a warning shot to every other contender in the WBLA Qualifiers. The Rwandan champions aren’t just here to participate. They’re here to dominate.

Final Score APR 97, Gladiators 42.

APR marches forward as one of the favourites to qualify, while the Gladiators head back to the drawing board, determined to turn lessons into redemption.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA/WBLA]