Saturday

IPRC-South          61-50            UGB

APR                         76-83            REG

IPRC-Kigali           77-84            Espoir

National league title hopefuls’ APR saw their seven-match unbeaten run come to an end after losing to debutants Rwanda Energy Group (REG) Basketball Club in a highly-contested game that took place on Saturday at Amahoro indoor stadium.

REG defeated APR 83-76 to move to the summit along with defending champions Patriots – with 15 points each from the eight rounds played so far.

Before the game, APR, bidding for their first league title since 2009, were the only unbeaten side in this year’s campaign, while REG, which made strong recruitments before the start of the season, was eyeing to close gap on top of the table which made the encounter a very crucial one.

However, it was a night to forget for Cliff Owuor’s APR that controlled the game before losing it dramatically in the last 47 seconds.

APR won the first quarter 18-15 before extending their lead in the second quarter which they took 28-16, hence going into half-time break leading 46-32 points.

Coach Jean Bahufite’s REG seemed outclassed after failing to make a comeback in the third quarter which they lost 20-25; however, the final fourth quarter was a game changer with REG led by skipper Ali Kubwima, Kami Kabange and Benjamin Mukengerwa stunning APR with a dramatic comeback, winning by 27-10 to wrap the game 83-76.

Shooting guard Mukengerwa dropped his side’s high points 17 on their way to victory.

"We lacked concentration in the first three quarters and there was no effective communication among my players on the pitch so I decided to make changes in the final quarter which brought back concentration and determination, hence winning the game,” said Bahufite

Meanwhile, in other games, Espoir defeated IPRC-Kigali 84-77 while Huye-based IPRC-South defeated UGB 61-50.

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