RSSB Tigers have suffered their first defeat in the BAL 2026, falling 101-92 to Nairobi City Thunder of Kenya on the last day of Kalahari Conference games.

The Rwandan side had to play without their talisman Craig Randall, who was fresh off breaking the BAL scoring record, alongside Ntore Habimana, with both being rested, whilst Teafale Lenard remained sidelined after picking up an injury after the second game.

It was an opportunity for Cyiza Chandelier, Paul Bizimana, Cadeaux de Dieu, Steven Hagumintwari, and Bathie Ndiaye, who had not received enough playing time, to step in and show what they can offer.

However, it didn’t go RSSB Tigers’ way, as it ultimately came down to who wanted it more, and Nairobi City Thunder showed greater hunger, having clinched just one win before this game.

Derrick Ogechi was Nairobi City Thunder's leading scorer with 22 points, while Joseph Jawachi and Tylor Ongwae had 22 and 17 points, respectively, but it still wasn’t enough to secure a playoff berth as they were eliminated.

RSSB Tigers captain Antino Jackson sank the game's best 24 points, while Mangok Mathiang added an impressive 22 points and 22 rebounds.

RSSB Tigers came into season six of the BAL as underdogs, having replaced APR at the last minute and started preparations less than two weeks before the tournament, yet they still managed to finish top of the Kalahari Conference.