Friday

Game 3

Espoir vs IPRC-South 4pmPatriots vs IPRC-Kigali 6pm

After thrilling first two games that left the race to qualify for the men’s basketball finals finely balanced, the four teams involved in the semi-final playoffs, face off in the decisive Games 3 today at Amahoro indoor stadium.

Defending champions Espoir, who won Game 1 against IPRC-South 76-71 points before losing Game 2, 65-56, will be hoping to win the decider to reach the best-of-five-finals-series for the fifth year in a row while their opponents are seeking their first final.

"We lost concentration in Game 2, which cost us a clean sweep, but we have to produce a performance that can help us win Game 3 and a place in the final,” said Espoir coach, Jean Bahufite.

His opposite number, Charles Mushumba, says his team are not taking anything for granted either, and cautioned his players to stay focused as they did in Game 2.

He said, "Espoir are obviously the favourites, but we have shown that we’re capable of competing against anyone in this league, so we shall go into the decisive game, on Friday, confident that we can win.”

In the semi-final, regular league champions Patriots also have a mountain to climb when they lock horns with IPRC-Kigali, with their series also tied at 1-1. Patriots won Game 1 by 74-68 but IPRC-Kigali bounced back to level the series with a 59-56 win in Game 2 last weekend.

Speaking ahead of Game 3, IPRC-Kigali coach Albert Buhake said: "We learnt lessons in both Games 1 and 2, which we have tried to work on and, hopefully, we can finish the job on Friday, it will be hard but it’s possible.”

In a separate interview, Patriots point guard Ali Kubwimana said: "We did several turn-overs in Game 2, which they (IPRC-Kigali) exploited to win the game. However, we must use that defeat as a wake-up call heading into Game 3 and possibly the finals.”

editorial@newtimes.co.rw