Olivier Turatsinze’s stellar 36-point performance leads Espoir BBC to an 88-71 victory against REG BBC in the Rwanda Basketball League, bringing the first leg matches to a successful end.
KIGALI, April 6, Espoir Basketball Club pulls off a stunning upset against REG BBC in their last game of the first leg of the Rwanda Basketball League. This victory not only advances their position in the standings but also enhances their prospects of securing a playoff berth by the season’s end.
Olivier Turatsinze, last season’s regular season MVP, saved his season-high performance of 36 points for the final game of the first leg, to shock one of the league’s powerhouse.
Espoir’s point guard made 9 of 19 field goals and an amazing 15 of 17 free throws, tallying a game-high 36 points and dealing Charles Mushumba’s REG their third season loss.
Turatsinze’s Espoir began the game trailing by two points (19-21) in the first quarter and continued to lag behind at halftime (37-39), but orchestrated a turnaround performance in third quarter to seize a commanding lead.
Espoir dominated REG in the third quarter, outscoring them 35-14, which helped them secure a comfortable lead. This advantage carried them through the last period, resulting in a deserved victory. 88-71.
In addition to Turatsinze’s impressive 36-point performance, Ronald Nato Kolmia contributed 23 points, and Eric Muhayumukiza added 13 points to secure the victory.
Fortunate Mwanabene had a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Meanwhile, on the opposing team, Kambuy Manga Pitchou also recorded a double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 16 rebounds.
The triumph elevates Espoir to fifth place with 14 points (5-4), on par with the fourth-ranked Tigers. However, Tigers hold precedence due to a head-to-head results.
REG maintain their third-place standing with 15 points.
In Rwanda, basketball and all sports activities have come to a standstill to mark the 30th Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Following a 7-day commemoration period, the inaugural Rwanda Cup will commence, and the league’s second leg games are scheduled to begin in May.
