Tigers Shock Al Ahly Ly in BAL Opener

March 27, 2026.The Basketball Africa League (BAL) tipped off with fireworks in Pretoria as the RSSB Tigers stunned Al Ahly Ly, 103–95, behind a dazzling 64-point duo performance from Leonard Randall II and Teafale Leonard Jr.Randall, making his BAL debut, erupted for 37 points and seven assists, drilling eight threes to torch the Libyan champions. Leonard Jr. added 27 points, electrifying the crowd with dunks and rim protection.The Tigers led 52–47 at halftime, but the game turned in the third quarter. After Al Ahly Ly tied it at 59–59, Rwanda’s side unleashed a 12–0 run to seize control, stretching the lead to 18. Their 16 made three-pointers proved decisive.Mathiang Ayub dominated the glass with a BAL record-tying 25 rebounds, while Ntore Habimana and Antino Jackson Jr. chipped in 11 apiece.Al Ahly Ly’s Donovann Williams kept them afloat with 28 points on 9-for-14 shooting, including 7-for-9 from deep. Jo Lual Acuil added 17 points and 12 boards, but reigning MVP Jean Jacques Boissy struggled, finishing with just five points on 2-for-13 shooting.Ayub summed up the Tigers’ mindset: “Personal stats don’t matter as long as we get the job done as a team. We stuck together, followed the coaches, and knew Rwanda was behind us.”Al Ahly Ly face Petro de Luanda on Saturday, while the Tigers enjoy a rest day before their next test.Credit: bal.nba.com