The Rwanda Energy Group overcomes US Monastir on Monday at Dakar Arena as Pitchou Manga dropped a 16-point double-double with 10 rebounds plus three blocks to help the REG secure a slot in the final games scheduled for May in Kigali, Rwanda.
Trailing by 6 points at the break (21-26, 15-16), REG cut it down to two points with 2 seconds remaining in the third quarter when Axel Mpoyo hit a three points buzzer-beater to end the quarter with 56-55 in favour of Rwanda Energy Group.
REG started out strong in the last quarter as Nshobozwa scored back to back threes to hand The Electricians the eight-point lead in the first 90 seconds. A lead they never looked back on as Kigali based club carried on until 15 seconds when US Monastir was a point behind, 75-74 but with possession in hand.
On a game-deciding possession, Michael Andre Dixon tried to play a pick and roll with Mokhtar Ghayaza which failed and ended up passing the ball to Radhouane Slimane. With the time ticking, Slimane tried to drive into the paint however Adonis Filer’s defence was solid and forced him an offensive foul which ended Monastir’s 4 game winning streak in 2022 BAL Sahara Conference.
Monastir committed a defensive foul in the last REG possession and they benefited two free throws which were scored by Cleveland Thomas to seal a well deserved win, 77-74.
Manga Pitchou finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks, showing his ability to positively affect the game on offence as much as he does on defence. His performance earned him the Player of the game.
With the victory, Rwanda Energy Group improves to 3-1 ahead of today’s last game against Clube Ferroviário da Beira. Both REG BBC and US Monastir have already qualified for the final games slated in Kigali later in May.
