ASVD Shock WBLA Favourites APR as Matharu, Ndong and Ndao Lead Stunning 78–71 Upset Win

ASVD Shock WBLA Favourites APR as Matharu, Ndong and Ndao Lead Stunning 78–71 Upset Win

ASC Ville de Dakar (ASVD) delivered one of the standout performances of the young 2025 WBLA season, securing a highly impressive, and to some critics, unexpected, 78–71 win over championship ("on papar") favourites APR.

From the halfway point of the second quarter to the final buzzer, ASVD's discipline, gritty defensive physicality, and poised guard play set the tone in a clash many had predicted would validate APR, as one of the tournament favourites, especially after the recent signing of 2025 WNBA champion Kierstan Bell.

Instead, it was the Daker-based club that fielded a youthful squad, who authored the night's story. APR entered the game stacked with star power, including 2025 WNBA champion Kierstan Bell, future African basketball Hall-of-Famer Italee Lucas, and Rwandan crossover specialist Destiney Philoxy.

But ASVD, led by Aliyah Matharu, and the ever-composed Aminata Ndong refused to be overwhelmed. Their defensive connectivity frustrated APR early, allowing ASVD to control tempo and generate consistent transition opportunities.

APR opened the first quarter aggressively, but ASVD found their rhythm quickly. Philoxy spearheaded a series of well-executed fastbreaks, while Diop's early defensive impact, highlighted by a chasedown block with just 13 seconds left in the period, energised her teammates. ASVD's youthful pace, spacing and ball movement punished APR's occasional lapses, with Amarah Coleman and Coumba Niang combining for much-needed knock-down perimeter shooting.

APR answered through Bell, whose three-pointer helped close the gap, towards the end of the period, and Assouma Uwizeye, who dominated the offensive glass. Yet ASVD's depth continued to shine. Key triples from Couna Ndao and Italee Lucas allowed ASVD to keep pace entering the second quarter down just five, 24–19.

The second frame cemented the game's growing intensity and produced one of its defining moments. At 06:35, Kierstan Bell received a technical foul after protesting a turnover call on Senegal national team star Yacine Diop. The whistle shifted momentum firmly toward ASVD, who capitalised immediately. Matharu knocked down the technical free throw, part of a composed stretch of scoring and facilitation that helped ASVD surge ahead.

ASVD's defensive rebounding and pressure in passing lanes disrupted APR's flow, forcing rushed possessions and turnovers. Amarah Coleman, who repeatedly converted in transition, provided the APR with the scoring relief it needed, but ASVD's confidence was visibly rising. With Diop drawing fouls, Philoxy controlling pace, and Coulibaly delivering efficient inside touches, ASVD entered halftime leading 45–42.

APR attempted a reset in the third quarter, but ASVD delivered their most complete stretch of the night. Matharu's relentless downhill attacks and Alimata Coulibaly's interior finishing pushed the lead into double digits, while ASVD's defensive structure held APR to just 11 field goals in the period. APR's 3rd quarter issues were compounded by a second technical foul, this time on veteran Italee Lucas. However, Bell and Lucas tried to will APR back into the contest with late-quarter scoring bursts, but ASVD maintained firm control, exiting the third with a 62–53 advantage.

APR mounted a final effort in the fourth, but ASVD's composure never wavered. Diop dictated late-game possessions, Philoxy made crucial free throws, and Matharu's two-way presence sealed the result. When the final buzzer sounded, ASVD had secured a signature 78–71 victory that firmly places them in the 2025 WBLA title conversation.

For those still doubting ASVD's championship credentials, this performance served as a definitive reminder: that although they are young, they may indeed have the right tools be be considered contenders and should no longerbe seen as flying under anyone's radar.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]