ASB New Gen bounced back after their defeat to Moanda BBC to book a spot in the Elite 16. They trailed all game and were propelled in the final quarter by their fans to make a late comeback and win the game 79-70.
Last Updated on
October 22, 2025
There was a lot at stake in this game, with the winner advancing to the Elite 16 and the loser having to wait another year for a chance to compete again. With that in mind, New Tech got off to a firing start, taking advantage of New Gen’s nervous start to score two quick layups. They continued to apply pressure and play fast-paced transition basketball, and subsequently took an 8-1 lead.
Gudul Mulomba broke this momentum when he knocked down a three-pointer from just beyond the arc. Thereafter, Cameroon national team player, Valentin Lele, along with Francois Mungenga, exchanged fast-break layups to bring some balance to the game. Lele quickly showed off his offensive high-IQ game when he broke the deadlock with a three-pointer before seeing his effort matched by Gudul Mulomba.
Lele took over this opening quarter and let his experience from AfroBasket 2025 show as he erupted for 16 first-quarter points. This burst of scoring helped put New Tech in the driver’s seat as they went up 25-18 at the end of the first quarter, leaving Coach Kabongo of New Gen to figure out how to contain him.
New Gen started the quarter with more grit, as their offensive rebound led to a second-chance opportunity that culminated in a three-pointer by Xane Dalmeida. Baptiste Tackamoud followed this with an easy layup under the rim.
New Gen tried to make a run and brought the game to within two points at 27-25, but could not remain disciplined on defence and fouled Baptiste Tackamoud, who scored two free throws. The two teams began trading buckets, and although New Tech enjoyed a narrow yet significant lead.
Ntumba Bazangu had an impressive solo run ignited by his two free throws, then followed that up with a triple, shortly after Baptiste Tackamoud made one. This period saw him score seven straight points, helping New Gen get within three points.
However, Baptiste Tackamoud was not done as he drained another three-pointer to restore a six-point lead. Unfortunately for him, New Gen punched back, going on a 7-2 run to bring themselves to within one point at the half, 43-42. Exauce Moke, who had the hot hand off the bench, contributed five points to New Gen's scoring surge.
Lele opened his second-quarter scoring account with a layup. Frustratingly, for the neutral, both teams squandered multiple opportunities and struggled to put points on the board, resulting in a two-minute deadlock. Michael Tshibende broke the deadlock with a perfect trip to the free-throw line and brought the game back to within one point.
Francois Mungenga then made a jump shot to give New Gen their first lead of the game. However, that was short-lived, as Valentin Lele scored a three-pointer to not only regain the lead but also silence the fans in Kinshasa. Both teams traded baskets and had multiple lead changes, but it was New Tech that went into the break 55-53up.
The final quarter had the makings of a continental final. Gudul Mulomba opened the quarter with a layup after Jean Paul Njiki turned the ball over. Yasser Kamayengue then scored a layup and three-pointer in back-to-back possessions to give New Tech a five-point lead.
Mulomba reminded the fans of his offensive abilities, knocking down yet another three-pointer to give his side hope and ignite support from the home fans. This led to a 10-0 run, putting them in the driver's seat.
New Tech was left wanting as the defence continued to blitz Lele on the defensive end, but Yasser Kamayengue picked up the baton, putting a stop to New Gen's run with a three-pointer. He would tie the game again at 68 points apiece with another three-pointer.
Exauce Moke then scored four quick points to give his team a slim lead. Valentin Lele showed that he cannot be clamped for long when he drew a foul and converted both free throws. However, it was New Gen who closed out the game with a 7-1 run in the final two minutes to claim a 79-71 victory.
Valentin Lele's 25 points and Yasser Kamayengue's 19 points and 10 rebounds were impressive, but it wasn't enough to get past the home side, New Gen. Gudul Mulombe's 18 points and nine rebounds proved enough for victory in front of their fans.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA/Road to BAL]
