RSSB Tigers detonate from deep to stun title-favorite Al Ahly Ly in BAL opener

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In a matchup that, on paper, tilted toward the more established Libyan side, the Tigers flipped the narrative through pace, perimeter efficiency and collective composure. Making their BAL debut, the Rwandan outfit leaned on a standout showing from Leonard Randall II, whose 37-point explosion set the tone for one of the competition’s early surprises.

Randall, who connected on eight shots from beyond the arc, combined with Teafale Leonard Jr. for 64 points, providing the offensive backbone of a Tigers side that showed little sign of nerves despite the occasion. If anything, their approach reflected a group playing with freedom rather than expectation.

“I think we knew coming in that there really was no pressure for us,” Randall said postgame. “Every other team had been together for a while. We just wanted to come in, be ourselves and do what we do.”

That mindset was evident from the opening possession. Leonard Jr. opened the scoring for the 2026 BAL season with an emphatic two-handed dunk, igniting a sequence that would see him finish with 27 points, while also anchoring the defensive effort with key blocks.

The first half unfolded in a balanced rhythm, with both teams trading baskets and struggling to create separation. Al Ahly Ly, guided by Donovann Williams’ efficient perimeter shooting, kept within striking distance throughout the opening quarters. However, the Tigers edged ahead to take a 52-47 lead into halftime, capitalizing on their ability to stretch the floor.

The turning point came after the break.

Midway through the third quarter, Al Ahly Ly managed to draw level at 59-59, momentarily shifting the momentum. But what followed proved decisive. The Tigers responded with a 12-0 run, fueled by defensive stops and quick transition execution, to open up a double-digit advantage.

From there, the Rwandan side dictated the tempo, extending their lead to as many as 18 points. Their ball movement and spacing repeatedly exposed defensive gaps, while their accuracy from long range — finishing with 16 three-pointers — kept the Libyan champions on the back foot.

“We kept preaching to stay together,” Randall noted. “That’s been the message the whole time. What we showed tonight was solid, but there’s still room to grow. We’re going to watch film and keep moving forward.”

Randall’s performance extended beyond scoring. The guard added seven assists, orchestrating the Tigers’ offense with poise and ensuring consistent involvement across the roster. His confidence, even through contested attempts, reflected a system built on trust.

“For me, it’s the belief and the faith that my coaches and teammates have in me,” he explained. “They never tell me to stop shooting, even if I’m missing. When you have that kind of support, it’s easy to stay locked in.”

Supporting contributions proved equally vital. Ntore Habimana and Antino Jackson Jr each chipped in 11 points, while Mathiang Ayub delivered a dominant presence on the boards. The center pulled down 25 rebounds — matching a BAL record — to go along with seven points, anchoring the Tigers’ interior control.

For Al Ahly Ly, Donovann Williams led all scorers on his team with 28 points, shooting an impressive 7-for-9 from three-point range. Jo Lual Acuil added a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, but the Libyan side struggled to contain the Tigers’ perimeter threats.

Reigning BAL MVP Jean Jacques Boissy endured a difficult outing, finishing with five points on 2-for-13 shooting, as the Tigers’ defensive pressure disrupted his usual offensive rhythm.

Despite moments where Al Ahly Ly threatened a comeback, their defensive lapses — particularly in closing out shooters — proved costly. Conceding 16 triples ultimately undermined their efforts, leaving them chasing the game for extended stretches.

Beyond the statistics, the Tigers’ cohesion stood out. With several players experiencing BAL action for the first time, their collective execution suggested a team that had quickly aligned around a shared identity.

“There’s a lot of resilience in this group,” Randall added. “We represent a country that knows how to fight. When you’ve got a group of guys that all want to win, it becomes easy to bond.”

The result places RSSB Tigers in an early favorable position in the Kalahari Conference standings, while also sending a clear message to the rest of the field. For Al Ahly Ly, the defeat serves as an early test of their championship ambitions, with adjustments required ahead of their next outing.

The Libyan champions will look to respond when they face Petro de Luanda on Saturday, while the Tigers benefit from a rest day as they prepare to build on a strong opening statement.

If the season opener is any indication, the 2026 BAL campaign may well be shaped by teams capable of combining discipline with fearless execution — a formula the Tigers showcased to full effect on opening night.

[Photography/Imagery : The BAL]