Evolution of BAL Scoring (2021–2026)

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has seen a significant increase in the number of points scored per game, and the recently concluded 2026 season exemplified the league's evolving scoring trends.

By the time the RSSB Tigers stunned Petro de Luanda in the 2026 BAL Final, the league had played 234 games since its inception in 2021.

This article explores the evolution of the BAL scoring, from the lowest points scored in a game by a team to record-setting achievements by teams and players.

2021 BAL season - (Combined points per game: 153)

In the opening BAL season, which was played under restrictions due to the ongoing pandemic, all twelve teams played a combined total of 26 games in Kigali, Rwanda. An average of 153 points was registered in each game.  

2022 BAL season – (Combined points per game: 160)

In the second BAL season, the twelve teams played a total of 38 games – twelve more than in the inaugural season – resulting in a significant increase in the average number of points scored per game. An average of 160 points was scored in each game in the 2022 BAL season.

2023 BAL season – (Combined points per game: 155)

The third BAL season saw a decline in points scored per game compared to the previous edition, with teams averaging 155 points per game — five fewer than in the previous season. On average, 155 points were scored in each game in the 2023 BAL season.

2024 BAL season – (Combined points per game: 159)

Entering its fourth season, the BAL increased its calendar to 42 games — four more than the previous season. On the court, teams responded by scoring an average of 159 points per game — a four-point improvement on the previous season.

2025 BAL season – (Combined points per game: 163)

In 2025, the BAL season saw the highest number of games played in a single season, with 48 games being played. The leagues' points scored per game surpassed the 160-point mark, with a combined total of 163 points per game.

2026 BAL season – (Combined points per game: 169)

The 2026 BAL season was significant in many ways, as reflected in the record number of 169 points scored per game on average. The season saw the most 100+ point games (eleven), eleven of which were decided in overtime. The highest points ever scored in a game were achieved when Al Ahly Ly defeated Dar City 118–97, making it the highest scoring game in BAL history with 215 points. Prior to this, APR's 123–90 win over Al Ittihad Alexandria in the 2025 Third-Place Game (213 points) was the highest.

Lowest-scoring BAL game

The evolution of BAL scoring would be incomplete without mention of its lowest-scoring game. This occurred during the 2023 season when Rwanda’s REG defeated Nigeria’s Kwara Falcons with a combined score of 112 points (64-48). This result surpassed Zamalek’s 66-49 win over SLAC during the 2022 season to become the lowest in BAL history.

Lowest-scoring by a team

With their 87-46 loss to US Monastir in the 2021 BAL semifinals, Rwanda’s Patriots now hold the record for the fewest points scored in a BAL game.

Highest-scoring by a team

With their 123-90 win over Al Ittihad Alexandria in the 2025 season, APR hold the record for the most points scored in a BAL game.

Records of BAL scoring by player

The BAL has seen some players achieve high scores, with some setting new records.

These include Terrell Stoglin and Will Perry with 41 points in 2021 and 2022 respectively, Jo Lual Acuil with 42 points in 2024, and finally Craig Randall with 54 points in the 2026 season.  

Scoring history of the BAL Finals

Prior to the 2026 BAL Final, all five Championship Games had been decided by a scoring gap of at least ten points. However, the RSSB Tigers' 90-88 win over Petro de Luanda was the smallest winning margin in BAL history.

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