RSSB Tigers recovered from a 14-point halftime deficit to beat China’s Shanghai Sharks 117-115 in overtime on Wednesday, keeping Rwanda’s hopes alive at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2026.
The Rwandan side, representing Africa at the tournament, forced the game into overtime after Craig Randall II hit a crucial three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining in regulation to level the score at 103-103.
The Group A match was played at the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, with RSSB Tigers needing a victory after losing their opening game 107-89 to Lithuania’s Rytas Vilnius.
Shanghai Sharks controlled the early stages, opening a 30-17 lead after the first quarter. Brandon Goodwin and Tianrong Li were among the Chinese side’s leading scorers as they kept RSSB Tigers under pressure.
RSSB Tigers responded in the second quarter, with Ntore Habimana and Axel Mpoyo helping to reduce the deficit, although Shanghai still went into halftime with a 60-46 lead.
The third quarter ended level at 25-25, leaving Shanghai with a 14-point advantage heading into the final period.
RSSB Tigers then produced its strongest spell of the game. Teafale Lenard Jr and Randall helped the Rwandan side close the gap and eventually take a 93-91 lead.
Shanghai regained control in the closing minutes, but RSSB Tigers refused to give up. Randall’s three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation forced overtime.
The momentum remained with the Rwandan side in the extra five minutes, as Trey Bey and Randall made key contributions to secure the 117-115 victory.
Randall finished with 30 points for RSSB Tigers, while Shanghai’s Goodwin led all scorers with 37.
The victory gives RSSB Tigers its first win at the tournament and keeps the Rwandan and African representatives in contention for the next stage.
