RP-IPRC Musanze beat UR Huye 65-57 to maintain the high spirits and win a Rwanda Basketball League D1 relegation battle
RP-IPRC head coach Rene Sahabu and his IPRC Musanze boys have been under pressure in recent weeks as they have continued to linger in the relegation places.
Saturday, July 23, RP-IPRC Musanze, traveled to UR Huye with a mission to carry on their fight to stay alive in the Rwanda Basketball League division 1.
IPRC Musanze ended the 1st Quarter with a double-digit lead (10-20), but UR Huye ramped up the pressure to Musanze lads by holding them to 12 points in second quarter, heading in to the break with a tight score. 31-32
The Rene Sahabu coached side dominated the opponent in the last two periods to seal the win for good. 11-16, 15-17 and finish with an eight points difference. 57-65.
RP-IPRC Musanze small forward, Gislain Munyakazi has been fantastic in this season, and he put up yet another brilliant show, 21 points in the UR Gymnasium to give his side hope even if his team is desperate to keep him next season.
Speaking ground-sports.com after the game, the head coach highlighted the contribution of this young lad both defensively and offensively not only in this match but for the entire season.
“Gislain is a good player. He has improved a lot this season and I think you’ve seen how his versatility both offensively and defensively had a major impact on our game today. He’s a hardworking man, who understands and executes my game plans very well. If he continues in this path, he will surely be a great player” Said Coach Rene
Munyakazi has scored 304 points this season so far. He’s currently sixth on top scorer list behind Kamndoh Frank, Espoir Aganze, Thierry Munyeshuri, Pascal Niyonkuru and Jordan Yezakuzwe
Behind Munyakazi’s performance, Josue Tuyishime added 19 points, and Patrick Murwanashyaka had 7 points and 13 rebounds for Musanze.
On the side of UR Huye, Gabin posted a double-double (11PTS, 13 RBS ) and dished out 5 assists
In a post match interview with Rene Sahabu, He also upheld how special this game was for the relegation battle and the team’s approach to beat UR Huye at their own court.
He said,
” We have been preparing for this game for quite some good time. Everyone in this team knew the importance of this game, we don’t want to be relegated…we have to fight for our pride and today’s victory was a much-needed win.“
“We came in this game very determined, my boys fought, they showed character and at the end of the day, we came out victorious”
With the victory, the Musanze based club improves to 5-18 over the season and in their last two games of regular season, they will face Patriots and UR-CMHS.
RP-IPRC Musanze is a team that showcased young talents in Basketball and they always face challenges due to building a new team every season. The departure of Phenias Bagabo, Patrick Ngabonziza, Raphael Nzitonda, Patrick Rwema and many more, affected the team’s performance to the level of fighting for relegation. Things that they have to live with it since the coach is not assured of the continued services of key players like Munyakazi.
