The Patriots came back from a half time double-digit deficit and pulled off a spectacular victory over their fierce rivals REG BBC. Bush Wamukota and Dieudonné Ndizeye scored 17 points apiece as their team routed REG BBC 70-63 in Kigali Arena.
On Saturday, March 26, Kigali Arena hosted the first 2022 clash of the Titans between two basketball giants in Rwanda, Rwanda Energy Group Basketball Club and The Patriots.
The game started in very high spirits even though REG BBC, the defending champions, got off to a good opening and took an early lead over the Patriots to finish the first quarter with a 19-14. The Electricians carried energy from the end of the first quarter into the second quarter and went into the break leading with 12 points, 42-30.
After a slow start in the first 2 periods, the Patriots came back stronger in the third quarter and cut a 12-point deficit to 1 point before the last quarter started, 51-52.
In the last quarter, REG BBC could have relied on the experienced Beleck Bell, but he fouled out with 8 minutes remaining. The Patriots, with crowd support, outscored their rivals 19-11 to finish the game-high and claim the league top spot again.
Patriots’ Bush Tom Wamukota scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while Dieudonné Ndizeye contributed 17 points too.
Earlier at the same venue, IPRC Kigali fought back after trailing APR BBC by as many as 16 points at the break, 22-38, outscored them 35-15 in the third quarter, but their resurgence fell short as the Army side captured control of the game in the last quarter not only to win the game, 76-69 but also to keep their winning streak alive. 4 games so far, and they are yet to taste a defeat.
In the women’s category, REG Women BBC comfortably beat The Hoops 69-50. Sandra Kantore led the way with 22 points, while Rosine Micomyiza finished with 18 points for The Hoops.
APR Women BBC beat RP-IPRC Huye 57-51
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