APR BBC’s remarkable journey in the BAL came to an end with an 84–71 semi-final defeat to Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli. The result seals Al Ahli’s place in their first-ever BAL final, while APR must now set their sights on Friday’s third-place playoff.

APR entered the playoffs brimming with confidence after their quarter-final demolition of Rivers Hoopers (104–73), where Aliou Diarra and Alex Mpoyo combined for a dominant interior showing. That performance followed their statement win over reigning champions Petro de Luanda (75–57)

In Pretoria’s SunBet Arena, APR pushed hard, staying within striking distance throughout. Diarra battled valiantly inside, but Al Ahli’s depth and discipline proved decisive. The Libyan side built on their familiarity having already beaten APR twice in the Nile Conference to keep control and limit turnovers at key moments

Al Ahli Tripoli earned this semi-final showdown through consistent dominance, highlighted by Fabian White Jr.’s 34-point, 13-rebound effort against Kriol Star (107–81) . With Jaylen Adams, Jean-Jacques Boissy, and Naseim Badrush consistently hot in their Nile Conference meetings against APR, the Libyan side demonstrated superior scoring balance and defensive pressure

For APR, the curtain falls on a season of breakthroughs. They showcased interior strength (Diarra, Mpoyo), explosive scoring, and high-level defense in earlier rounds. Despite falling short of their first BAL final appearance, the team’s resilience and fight were clear.

APR will regroup for the bronze-medal match on Friday, looking to close the tournament on a high. Their path to this point shocking Petro, overpowering Rivers, and testing Al Ahli cements APR’s place among the continent’s elite.