Craig Randall II Guarantees APR Will Be ‘Different’ in Game 2
Photo: IGIHE
APR BBC Leonard Craig Randall II has assured the club’s supporters that the team will respond strongly in Game 2 of the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) playoffs after suffering A 82-97 defeat to RSSB Tigers in the opening game of semifinal series.
Speaking during the post-match press conference at BK Arena, Randall admitted APR did not match the physical intensity of their opponents but insisted the team would make the necessary adjustments before Friday’s encounter.
“It was physical. It’s playoff basketball, we just didn’t start with physicality. We got to match their physicality,” Randall said.
The American guard remained confident despite the setback, emphasizing that losing the opening game has not changed APR’s ambitions.
“It’s one game, so I can guarantee you on Friday things will be different for us physically. It’s a series, first to three. They got one, we got to get three.”
His comments come as APR faces a must-win Game 2 to avoid falling further behind in the series against a confident RSSB Tigers side.
Randall won the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) MVP with RSSB Tigers. However, he insisted his full focus is now on helping APR achieve domestic success.
“The BAL is over. I’m not even thinking about the BAL.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to APR, making it clear where his ambitions lie.
“My emotion is to focus on winning for APR. I’m not an RSSB Tiger. I’m an APR Lion. I hope everybody understands that. I want everybody to address me as that, and that’s what it’s gonna stay like.”
APR will now look to translate Randall’s confidence into action when the two teams meet again on Friday. Victory would level the series and restore momentum, while another loss would leave the military side facing elimination pressure.
Meanwhile, in the other Rwanda Basketball League playoff Game 1 fixture, Patriots Basketball Club secured an important victory over REG Basketball Club, winning 84-75 to take an early advantage in their battle to the final.
About The Author
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
