FridayAPR vs 30 Plus 6pmREG vs Patriots 8pm

Following their perfect start in their uncharted waters, after defeating Rusizi Basketball Club in their season opener on Sunday at Amahoro Indoor Stadium, new entrants Rwanda Energy Group (REG) basketball club have shifted their focus to their next fixture against Patriots with a vow to retaliate against their pre-season frustration.

The water and energy group affiliated side defeated Rusizi 93-65, thanks to former Espoir center player Bievenue Ngandu who dominated the game registering the game’s high 21 points to inspire his new club to the first win of their first ever campaign in national basketball league. 

Despite praising his team for the win, head coach Jean Bahufite quickly revealed that the game was aimed at giving his team composure and readiness before taking on Patriots this Friday for the second time in three weeks which he stressed that is the only team to challenge them on the title this season.

"It was a good win but of course we had to win it given the team we faced, but our main focus is Friday’s game against Patriots. They recently defeated us in the most disappointing way and we have to prove our strength this Friday,” said Bahufite

Patriots dramatically overcame Bahufite’s side last month in a narrow 76-75 victory to emerge the 2016 preseason tournament winners, dethroning IPRC- South who won last year’s competition. 

"We are not going to rest and it is still in our minds that we lost the title in the last minute. So we anticipate a tough but ambitious game and I feel I will defeat Patriots,” he added

On the other hand, Patriots who are also the reigning champions kicked off their title defense perfectly well defeating United Generation Basketball (UGB) 95-34, and according to their key shooting guard Chris Walter Nkurunziza his team is ready to defend the title and a win against REG would be a great start.

"We are a better team compared to last season and our ambition is to defend our title, the mood is high and the real fight kicks off on Friday against REG, we must add on the previous frustration,” he noted

editorial@newtimes.co.rw