Disappointing Start: Champions Oilers Bowed to Knight Reapers in LBA National League Opener

Paynesville, Liberia: The Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) 2026 National League season kicked off on Friday, March 13, with a big upset, as defending First Division Champions LPRC Oilers suffered a narrow defeat to newly promoted Knight Reapers.

The Oilers faced strong resistance from the newcomers, going level in the regular four quarters. Fresh from the full quarter break, Knight Reapers intensified pressure to edge past the defending champions 56–55 points in the overtime.

Youngster Ayouba Swaray was instrumental in his side Knight Reapers' opening victory on Friday night at the SKD Basketball Gym in Paynesville. The lad scored significant points to contribute to the Reapers' win, which positioned them atop the First Division standings.

The intensity of the match kept spectators on the edges of their seats until the final whistle into the overtime. The result shocked many fans who had thought defending champions LPRC Oilers could begin the new season on a high note.

Coach Varflay Corneh’s Oilers were dominant last season in the First Division defeating top rivals in the playoffs of the championship, before clinching the trophy uncontested when NPA Pythons boycotted the grand final.

Analysts say the defeat placed an early dent on the LPRC Oilers' title retention bid. Knight Reapers' bright start to the season, sent a strong message to many top clubs in the First Division League about their readiness to compete despite being a newcomer club.

In other results in the 2026 LBA National League opener, Paynesville Bulldogs whipped Phoenix Knights 68–60 in a Second Division showdown.

In the Women's Division, D-Rockas staged a strong comeback to beat G. Highlanders 53–40 points.