Angolan champions Petro de Luanda, who entered the 2026 BAL Playoffs because the event’s top-ranked group, suffered a shock 88-82 defeat to Tanzania’s Dar Metropolis in Recreation 1 of the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Dar Metropolis, the lowest-ranked aspect to achieve the playoffs, produced a shocking late surge to assert one of many largest upsets in BAL historical past. Though they held solely a slim benefit by way of the opening three quarters, the Tanzanian aspect saved their greatest for the closing moments, unleashing a decisive 15-0 run within the last 6:28 minutes.
The six-point victory now leaves Dar Metropolis in management heading into the decisive second recreation, whereas Petro de Luanda face immense stress to maintain their title hopes alive.
Saturday’s encounter was an entire distinction to the groups’ earlier assembly in South Africa in March, the place Petro cruised to a dominant 100-75 victory.
Regardless of Petro’s bench outscoring Dar Metropolis’s reserves 51-16, the Tanzanian aspect confirmed exceptional endurance and self-discipline, with Daniel Utomi, David Michineau, and Nisre Zouzoua all enjoying all the recreation.
Utomi led the scoring with 22 factors after taking pictures 8-for-18 from the ground, whereas Zouzoua added 19 factors and Michineau chipped in with 12 factors and eight assists.
Dar Metropolis’s standout performer, nevertheless, was former NBA G League champion Michael Foster, who delivered a flawless taking pictures show. Foster went 7-for-7 from the sector, together with 2-for-2 from past the arc, to complete with 19 factors.
Former BAL Defensive Participant of the 12 months Anas Mahmoud additionally made a huge effect off the bench, contributing 13 factors and 12 rebounds.
For Petro de Luanda, former APR guard Chasson Randle scored 18 factors, whereas Aboubacar Gakou added 17.
Nevertheless, the previous BAL champions struggled badly from lengthy vary, taking pictures simply 8-for-32 from three-point vary, whereas additionally lacking 12 of their 18 free-throw makes an attempt. Petro additionally did not match Dar Metropolis’s vitality and depth regardless of utilizing a deeper rotation.
The 2 sides will meet once more on Might 25 in a decisive conflict that can decide who advances to the semifinals.
Earlier on Saturday, Al Ahly Libya edged Membership Africain 88-87 to take the benefit in one other tightly contested two-game quarterfinal sequence.
