The Patriots and APR BBC square battle in Game 2 of the BetPawa Playoffs at BK Arena on Friday night at 9 p.m. CAT. APR leads the series 1-0 after a thrilling 69-59 victory against the Patriots in Game 1. REG faces Espoir too
Game two will undoubtedly be exciting. During the regular season, the Patriots won both games against the APR Lions.
APR definitely played strong perimeter defence in the first game. They seldom gave the Patriots an open three-point attempt, and they were aggressive in the passing lanes. They must maintain this level of defensive pressure if they are to go up 2-0 in the series.
The playoffs, on the other hand, are a different beast, and the Patriots have the experience. They will not be cold again, and a 7-point game from Dieudonné Ndizeye will not be repeated. The Patriots, led by Henry Mwinuka, have to tie the series, should they want to stay in the race.
Michael Andre Dixon, the Patriots’ leading point guard, is still uncertain for this game. The team recruited him for such a huge rendezvous and He would like to, but his physical condition won’t allow it. Thankfully, they have a backup in Roebuck Jr. G Vashon.
Alternatively, at the Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium, the reigning champions, REG BBC face Espoir BBC in the other semi-final clash of the BetPawa Playoffs. Espoir attempted to fight back in game 1, but their efforts fell short as they were defeated 85-79.
Adonis Filer must be stopped if Janvier Kamanzi’s Espoir is to tie the series.
Prior to the REG-Espoir contest, APR Women BBC must take on the Hoops Rwanda. APR won the first game 74-69 in what was an extremely tight contest that required overtime.
The reigning champions REG Women BBC will be out to defend their title against the IPRC Huye side in game 1. The 2018/2019 league winners will face a hurdle to climb in REG after losing both regular season games.
This game is set for today, August 25, at 7 p.m. CAT at the BK Arena.
