APR stun defending champions ASC with last-gasp winner

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Some games go down history books as thrillers and the Group B cracker between Rwandan side APR and Egyptian heavyweights ASC will linger in the minds of basketball lovers for ages.

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Defending champions Alexandria Sporting Club (ASC) saw red after a 61-59 loss to CNS and were hoping to return to winning ways and warm their way through to the next hurdle. APR had witnessed a faux pas, losing 55-63 to FBA in their previous encounter, and was keen on returning to winning ways. For both sides, victory was imperative.

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The drive from both sides was evident from tip-off. APR’s Charlotte Umugwaneza scored the game’s first layup, but Lianna Monet tied that quickly for ASC with a sublime jump shot. Both teams tussled for possession for the first 3 minutes before ASC, broke free extending their lead to 8-2 after Lianna Monet sunk in a 3-pointer. With ASC leading, APR turned to their superstar and two-time WNBA champion Kierstan Bell whose scoring ranged from three-pointers to step-back jump shots and hooks, contributing an exciting 13 points in the first quarter to grant the Rwandan side a 19-14 lead at the end of the quarter.

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The second quarter, more compact for both sides, was a tale of back-forth as both sides exchanged leads, but a Shaina Pellington step-back jump shot tied the game for APR at 33-33. The game’s momentum continued as APR turned to Angolan legend Italee Lucas who hit 8 points alongside Kierstan Bell who also sunk in 8 points. But ASC had their duo walking on fire with experienced forward Hala Elshaarawy reminding the fans and viewers of her mettle with 11 points while Lianna Monet added 6 points and by the time the third quarter concluded, ASC was on the driving seat, leading 55-53.

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The game saw 19 lead changes and continued in the final quarter with both sides demonstrating instinctive fluency in attack and defense, matching quick transitions with pacy attacks. ASC felt they had it in the bag when 58 seconds to the end of the game, Lianna Monet erupted with a 2-pointer to extend their lead to 72-69. APR’s Kamba Yoro in a moment of sheer brilliance 8 seconds later brought the Rwandans back into the game with a three-pointer that tied the fixture at 72-72 and left the Egyptians' heads in hands. Italee Lucas laid the icing on the cake for APR when she drove a lay-up 25 seconds to the end of the game and grabbed a defensive rebound on the buzz to ease APR to a 74-72 win over ASC.

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Kierstan Bell ended the game with an unrivaled 27 points and alongside Itale Lucas (16) and Shaina Pellington (15) scored 58 points for APR while Hala Elshaarawy with 19 points and Lianna Monet with 16 points led the scoring charts for ASC.

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Following her incredible performance, Kierstan Bell was quick to salute APR’s team effort.

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“I just set out to help the team win. We trusted each other and played together, knocking down the shots and picking our rebounds and we are happy to win” Kierstan Bell.

The victory sealed APR a spot for the next hurdle while for ASC, it is the end of their title defense as they languish rock bottom in Group B after a win and two defeats.

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[Imagery courtesy FIBA]

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