William Perry’s near-triple-double performance played a crucial role as the Patriots secured a 73-67 victory over REG BBC, claiming bragging rights in the local basketball derby.
KIGALI, March 15, The Patriots Basketball Club claimed victory over REG BBC, adding two crucial points to their tally, stretching their winning streak to six games, and showcasing their superiority over their rivals.
The match began with high intensity and physicality, as Charles Mushumba’s team employed a man-to-man defense strategy against Patriots. Nevertheless, Herve Icyishatse effectively countered the Patriots’ dynamic point guard, William Kiah Perry.
The American point guard assumed control of the Patriots’ offense as usual, maintaining their customary rhythm and tactics throughout the game.
Mushumba swiftly understood that the approach wouldn’t be effective against the agile Patriots, especially since both point guards, Benjamin Mukengerwa and Antino Alvalezes Jackson, began the game on the bench.
With the introduction of Mukengerwa and Antino, the team began to stage a comeback after trailing 22-13 in the first quarter, narrowing the deficit to four points (38-34) by halftime.
Despite the early third-quarter foul trouble for their newly recruited center Nikola Scekic, a Heny Mwinuka-coached side demonstrated remarkable aggression. This was fueled by Dieudonné Ndizeye’s consecutive three-pointers and Steven Hagumintwari’s impressive “in your face” dunks, allowing them to score 21 points while limiting REG to just 14.
With REG trailing by 11 points heading into the final quarter, the pressure was on for the team. In a crucial last 10 minutes, they performed admirably, managing to reduce the deficit to just 3 points (67-70) with 1:54 remaining, largely thanks to Prince Muhizi’s contribution of 13 points, all of which came in the last quarter.
However, REG’s chances were hindered by numerous turnovers and poor shot decisions, leading to their defeat with a final score of 73-67. Despite their dominance in points scored in the paint (36-28), second chance points (22-2), and bench points (43-5), REG couldn’t secure the victory. In contrast, the Patriots capitalized on turnovers (15-14) and fast break opportunities (21-14), while also boasting a higher field goal percentage at 39% compared to REG’s 35%.
Antino Alvalezes Jackson (55) made his debut in the league playing for REG BBC.
William Kiah Perry was on the court for almost the entire 40 minutes, leading the scoring with 21 points and coming close to a triple-double with 9 rebounds and 9 assists. Dieudonné Ndizeye added 17 points and seven rebounds, while Kamndoh Frank impressed with a double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
Prince Muhizi made a significant impact off the bench for REG, registering a double-double by scoring 13 points (all in the last quarter) and grabbing 11 rebounds. Benjamin Mukengerwa contributed 14 points, including 4 out of 6 successful three-pointers, in the 22 minutes he spent on the court.
REG’s defeat marks their first loss of the season in the league, while the win holds significance for the Patriots, their fans, and the basketball devotees in Rwanda, and set the stage for future matchups.
William Perry’s Patriots gathered for a team photo before their game against REG BBC on March 15, 2024, at LDK.
In an earlier game, APR, next Patriots’ opponent, secured a convincing 92-71 victory over the Titans. The win extends APR’s undefeated streak in the league, further solidifying their pole position in standings
Both APR and Patriots remain undefeated (6-0), adding further anticipation to their upcoming match on Wednesday, March 20th.
