Branch Stephaun’s 16-point performance propels the Patriots to a series-tying 61-49 victory over APR BBC on Wednesday night in Game 4 of the Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs Finals
The Patriots entered the game on Wednesday, September 18, determined to halt APR’s momentum and push the Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs Finals to Game 6.
After struggling in the last two games due to Diarra’s dominance over Prince Ibeh, coach Henry Mwinuka benched Ibeh, opting instead for Cadeau de Dieu Furaha and Frank Kamndoh. This move worked, as Kamndoh posted 10 points and 9 rebounds in 26 minutes, while Furaha added 8 points and 5 rebounds off the bench.
Though the Patriots got just 8 points from the bench—all from Furaha—they dominated the boards with a 57-41 advantage and shot 8-27 from behind the arc, better than APR’s 5-30.
Steven Hagumintwari’s defense held Jaleel Miller to 10 points on 4-14 shooting, while Branch Stephaun led the team with a game-high double-double of 16 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
Captain Gaston chipped in 14 points.
APR’s Aliou Diarra posted another double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. the 3rd double-double of this finals series in 4 games
This postseason series has been thrilling, more so than last year, with the best-of-seven contest looking likely to go the distance. Game 5 is set for Friday, September 20, with Game 6 scheduled two days later, both at BK Arena.
