APR BBC forced a Game 3 in the 2022 Rwanda Basketball League playoff semis, blowing out REG BBC 68-59 on Sunday night to level the best-of-three series at 1-1.
In the playoff series that started last Friday, APR BBC had a night to forget as they got humiliated and recorded a heavy loss against the defending champions. However, things were not the same as APR come into Sunday game very aggressive, put on a sensational defense to give the opponent no chance to lead any second of the game.
The former champions, APR BBC started the game on fire and ended the first quarter with a 10 points lead, 22-12. In this quarter, the Army side through Ally Kubwimana, put on an absolutely brilliant playmaking display, offensive transitions, and putting constant pressure on the opposing defense which left him with multiple passing options.
In the second quarter, the 2021-2022 league champions had to react. They cut the deficit to 6 points and went into break with 35-29.
APR come into the third quarter determined, lead the game again in the first six minutes, 49-36, APR’s biggest lead of the night. With Steven Emile Perriere and Ally Kubwimana on bench resting, the remaining four minutes were a nightmare for Cliff Owuor’s side.
Beleck Bell made a layup followed by Shyaka’s three pointer to make it 41-49 with 3 minutes to go. Axel Mpoyo put in another 2-point basket before he hit a back-to-back threes to tie the score and end the 3rd period with 49 points a piece.
In the last quarter, Balaban Darko orchestrated APR’s attack with unmatched brilliance to help his side finish the game on a high note 68-59. Darko put up 21 points, 13 rebounds.
It was a big game for Steven Emile Perriere too, who had 11 points and 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. The Central African Republic international was on incredible form in this game as he played a very competent defense.
REG’s Cleveland Thomas and Axel Mpoyo scored 14 and 13 points respectively.
The defending champions were once again without Pitchou Manga (who is away on national team duties), leaving Kaje with the burden of being hyper-aggressive on the offensive end.
Game 3 is scheduled to tip off at 20:00 on Wednesday at Kepler Campus Basketball court
Following this APR hard fought win, Patriots will have to wait a few more days before they know which team they will face in the 2022 Rwanda Basketball League Finals.
The Patriots punched their ticket to the RBL Playoff Finals on Sunday evening with a sweep over the Tigers in yet another 73-51 easy win. They will have to wait until Wednesday August 31 to know their opponent in this year playoff finals.
The Rwanda Basketball League Playoff Finals will run from September 7-16 in the expected jam-packed BK Arena.
