Monrovia, Liberia – June 9, 2025 – After missing several opening matches of the 2025 National Basketball League due to administrative setbacks, Invincible Eleven (IE) finally made their debut on Saturday at the SKD Gym. However, their much-anticipated return was marred by a disappointing defeat to the young and energetic Bushrod Bulls.
Strong Start, Weak Finish
IE began the match on a strong note, winning the first quarter 16–13 and maintaining momentum with a 27–23 lead in the second. By the end of the third quarter, they were still ahead, leading 40–38.
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the final quarter, as the Bushrod Bulls rallied back and dominated, eventually clinching a 62–46 victory. The Bulls’ youthful energy and composure proved decisive as they turned the game around in impressive fashion.
Despite losing several of their starting players to LPRC Oilers, currently the most in-form team in the league, the Bushrod Bulls showed grit and determination, underlining their potential as future contenders.
IE’s Struggles Continue
Once a powerhouse of Liberian basketball, Invincible Eleven is now a shadow of its former self. The club is plagued by a lack of financial support, fading fan base, inconsistent performances, absence of structured programs, and minimal intervention from former players.
Their administrative and logistical struggles led to forfeiting multiple matches earlier this season, which led many sports observers and journalists to believe that IE was not participating in this year’s league.
In the previous edition of the National League, IE’s women’s team reached the finals but lost to the Commissioners, finishing as runners-up after losing three of the five-game final series. Both IE and Commissioners represented Liberia at the FIBA Women’s Inter-Club Championship (Basketball Africa League), but their performances fell far below expectations.
On the men’s side, IE failed to reach the final stage last season, bowing out in the last six.
Other Matches: Narrow Win and Heavy Defeat
Also on Saturday at the SKD Gym:
In the Men’s 2nd Division, Bushrod Ballers narrowly defeated Royal Legends with a close score of 44–41, showing defensive grit and game management in the dying minutes.
In the Women’s Division, **Future Basketball endured a bad day losing 19-54 to Highlanders.
Also over the weekend, IE traditional rivals, Mighty Barrolle, league defending champions were beaten for the second time this season by inform LPRC Oilers.
The champions lost 82-59 points on the return of their head Coach Asaad Fadel.
Again, newly promoted Spartacus nightmare starts continued as they were narrowly beaten 74-72 by former champion NPA Pythons after dominating almost the entire match.
In another first division league match, Barnersville Dragon got better off Commissioners with 49-42 points.
