Finals
Friday, September 8
Game 4: APR Vs REG 9pm
Former champions APR could be declared champions of the 2023 Rwanda Basketball league on Friday night should they secure a win over Rwanda Energy Group (REG) G in game 4 in the best of seven of the playoffs finals or a loss could force the series to Game 5 on Sunday.
APR has not won a championship since 2009 and, now leading the series with 3-0 record in the best-of-seven finals, they want to sweep REG in four straight victories and win it in grand style.
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But, as defending champions, REG don’t want to easily surrender the championship and they are looking for a crucial win that would bring them back in contention.
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Is it time for APR BBC ?
Trophy Record: APR has won the national championship in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009.
APR is the most decorated team in Rwandan basketball history with 13 championships.
Their last trophy was in 2009, and have endured a persistent trophy drought ever since.
Having represented Rwanda at the FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup three times, the arm side now has eyes set on featuring in the Basketball Africa League for the first time next year.
With the current roster, APR has been a team to beat as they remain unbeaten over the past six playoffs games, having inflicted a 3-0 sweep over Patriots in the semifinals and now eyeing another sweep over REG in the finals.
A win on Friday night would simply define a powerful opponent APR has been against REG, with the title favorites now unbeaten their past five meetings this season.
Are REG BBC's days dominance over?
Trophy record: REG won their first title in 2017, only a year after its establishment. They returned to the podium in 2021 and 2022, claiming the domestic league trophy in both seasons.
For the past two seasons, REG have been a dominant force in the domestic league.
Since its establishment in 2016, the team enjoyed a steady rise both on the national and continental scene.
The past two years saw them claim two consecutive championships and hence represent the country at the BAL in a back-to-back process.
It's never over until it's over but their days of dominance must be numbered with the lions of APR ready to roar again and again until they lift the championship.