- MMB of South Africa edged out Nairobi City Thunder with a last-second basket, winning 74-75 on Tuesday, May 20, at the BK Arena in Rwanda during the BAL 2025 Nile Conference.
- This marks the third defeat for the Kenyan champions, who had previously lost their opening matches against APR Rwanda and Libya’s Al Ahli SC.
- Bradley Ibs’ side will now face Al Ahli again in their fourth game of the tournament as they seek a comeback and their first win.
Nairobi City Thunder’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Basketball Africa League playoffs were shattered as they suffered their third consecutive defeat in the Nile Conference.
The heartbreak came on Tuesday evening at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, when South Africa’s MBB snatched a dramatic 74-75 victory with a last-second basket.
In a fiercely contested match, Thunder dominated for most of the first three quarters.
However, their grip slipped in the dying 10 seconds as Robinson Opong drained a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer, breaking the hearts of Thunder players and fans.
Pieter Prinsloo was the standout performer for MBB, registering a game-high 30 points and 11 rebounds, while Teafale Lenard Jr contributed significantly with 20 points, five assists, and six boards.
Nairobi’s recent acquisition, French shooting guard Evans Ganapamo, delivered a stellar performance, notching 21 points alongside three rebounds and two assists.
Team captain Tyler Ongwae added to the scoring tally with 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Just four minutes into the game, MBB seized the momentum, establishing an early 13-5 advantage.
The scoring spree included three-pointers from Opong, Prinsloo, and Jovan Mooring, with David Craig adding two points.
Kenya’s Thunder responded with a bucket from Grang Diing and a three-pointer from Ongwae to reduce the deficit.
Thunder attempted a resurgence, narrowing the gap to three points, but MBB responded swiftly, extending the margin to lead the first quarter 22-15.
Both teams showed relentless energy, though Thunder’s defensive lapses continued to plague their campaign.
In the second quarter, Thunder displayed renewed determination, outscoring MBB 18-10. Late back-to-back three-pointers by Ganapamo turned the tide, sending the Kenyan side into halftime with a slender 33-32 lead.
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The third quarter saw Thunder start brightly, with Ganapamo sinking three consecutive shots from beyond the arc, elevating his tally to 21 points. His hot hand helped Thunder stretch their lead to 60-50, entering the final quarter with an 11-point cushion.
Entering the fourth quarter, Thunder sustained their momentum until the sixth minute, when Sam Vincent’s aggressive plays narrowed the deficit to a four-point game.
With just 120 seconds remaining to decide the outcome, Pieter contributed another two points, tightening the score.
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As the match reached its climactic final 11 seconds, MBB seized the advantage.
The pivotal moment arrived when Thunders’ shooting guard Opong, positioned at the left flank, received an assist and – without hesitation – nailed a flawless three-pointer.
Though Thunder attempted a last-second buzzer-beater through Ongwae, their efforts were in vain, as the game was already settled.
MBB picked their first tournament victory, while Thunder endured their third consecutive defeat. Their quest for redemption continues on Thursday when they confront the formidable Al Ahli Tripoli.
Nairobi City Thunder vs MBB starters
Nairobi City Thunder Starters: Evans Ganapamo, Grang Diing, Eugine Adera, Tyler Ongwae, Cheikh Mbacke
MBB Starters: Robinson Opong, Teafale Lenard Jr, Pieter Prinsloo, Jovan Mooring, David Craig
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