Nshobozwabyosenumukiza put up a double-double performance to uplift the APR Lions to an 68-62 victory over REG BBC in their first RBL playoff final game in 11 years.
The Lions, who had not reached the Playoffs finals since 2012, seized a 1-0 lead over the defending champions in a best-of-seven series that continues in Kigali’s BK Arena on Sunday.
Dean Murray’s REG BBC opened the 2023 BetPawa Playoffs Finals on an unfavorable footing on September 1st, as they were dominated in all three quarters of the game (16-20, 14-16, 12-17, 20-15).
Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza had a game-high 23 points, overcaming a tough shooting night from Ntore Habimana who was 0-for-8 from the field. Nshobozwa also grabbed 12 rebounds and dished 6 balls in 29 minutes spent on court.
The former REG BBC Point Guard has never been an easy opponent for this team, with whom he has competed for the previous two titles. Last night, Nshobozwa made 9-of-16 field goals, including three three-pointers in seven attempts, was efficient at the free throw line (2-2), and turned the ball over only twice.
His effort propelled APR to the first win of the finals best of seven series, as well as a strong statement about the team’s aspirations thus far. This was the team’s fourth postseason victory in a row.
Rolly Fula Nganga, a Congolese international, made his RBL playoff debut. He and Demarcus Holland each had 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist. When Fula is on the court, you will undoubtedly hear that Wamukota is dropped, since Ibeh and Holland appear to be untouchable in Maz Trakh’s foreigner rotation.
Filer Jovon Adonis, on the other hand, led the electricians in scoring with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists for the game. Filer and the REG are vying for their third consecutive championship. In this series, the Rwanda Energy Group point guard is also looking for his first RBL Finals MVP.
In Game 2, REG will seek to rebound behind more great efforts from Filer and his teammates.
Manga Pitchou topped the Electricians with a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds. As the series progresses, the team will rely on this big man to deliver outstanding performances.
Prince Muhizi had a terrific game tonight, scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds as well.
For the first time ever, APR and REG are squaring off in the Playoffs finals. Game 2 is scheduled for September 3rd, Game 3 for September 6th, and Game 4 for September 8th. The other three potential games are scheduled for September 10th, 13th, and 15th.
All games are scheduled to take place at BK Arena.
The Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) champion is determined through the playoffs. REG BBC are back-to-back defending champions, while APR last won the title in 2009.
