Patriots pulls off an incredible comeback, overturning an 8-point deficit in the third quarter to claim a dramatic 81-78 victory over UGB. Meanwhile, Espoir BBC continued to exert relentless pressure on Inspired Generation, keeping them under tight scrutiny.
The Patriots stage a remarkable comeback, erasing an 8-point deficit in the third quarter to defeat UGB and finish the first leg of the Rwanda Basketball League with an outstanding 9-0 record.
The Patriots began strongly, establishing a double-digit lead in the first 10 minutes with a score of 24-13. However, UGB then seized control of the game, outscoring the Patriots in both the second quarter (21-15) and the third quarter (29-16).
This surge enabled UGB to take an 8-point lead before the start of the final quarter.
In the final quarter, Henry Mwinuka’s Patriots mounted an impressive comeback, cutting the deficit and eventually taking a 3-point lead by the game’s conclusion, 81-78.
Former Patriots big man Shaffi Habineza stood out for UGB by scoring a game-high 19 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. Additionally, Jean Marie Rukerimbere contributed 15 points to the team’s effort.
William Kiah Perry not only spearheaded the Patriots to this thrilling victory but also guided them through the entirety of the first leg games.
Patriots’ Perry contributed 20 points and 4 assists in today’s win against UGB at Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium, bringing his season averages to 16.2 points and 5.7 assists per game, leading his team in both categories.
Patriots are at the top of the standings with an outstanding 9-0 record, totaling 18 points. APR, the defending champions, follow closely with an 8-1 record, earning 17 points.
With a 6-2 record and 14 points overall, REG takes third place.
Espoir BBC stunned Inspired Generation
At the same venue earlier, Espoir BBC delivered a resounding victory over Inspired Generation, triumphing of 96-71. This defeat further compounds Inspired Generation’s struggles as they continue to search for their first win in the Rwanda Basketball League.
Ronald Nato Kolmia’s exceptional performance drove Espoir BBC to a significant win with 29 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 7 steals, and 2 blocks in 30 minutes of play.
This came in just his second game in the RBL, following a double-double debut of 22 points and 12 rebounds against APR. As a former FAP player and Chad international, Kolmia’s impact showcased his importance to Espoir on both ends
Former RP-IPRC Huye Freddy Kwizera delivered a notable performance for the Inspired Generation, scoring 22 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and providing 2 assists during his 38 minutes on the court.
Espoir Basketball Club is currently placed 5th in the league standings with 12 points, holding a record of 4 wins and 4 losses. They are scheduled to face REG BBC on April 6 to conclude the first leg of games.
On the other side, the Inspired Generation wrapped up the initial nine games of the season without securing a single victory. Despite Efula Moloua Duke’s team earning promotion to the Rwanda Basketball League after a remarkable journey in D2, which culminated in winning the D2 trophy, they’ve encountered difficulties in the top-tier league, failing to secure a win thus far.
The team finds itself at the bottom of the league standings following the conclusion of the first leg matches, with a disappointing record of 0-9.
Efula Duke wears multiple hats within the club, serving as its President, head coach, and team captain all at once. This structure is commonly interpreted as embodying a one-man team concept which could potentially hinder the team’s overall progress and competitiveness.
The Rwanda Basketball League resumes action on Friday, April 5th, featuring Orion against Kepler and Tigers against Titans. Both matches are set to take place at the Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium.
