Semi-finals Men Friday REG Vs Espoir 4p.m Patriots Vs APR 6p.m Women IPRC-South Vs U18 National Team 9a.m APR Vs Ubumwe 4p.m

Last year Espoir Basketball Club stunned Rwanda Energy Group (REG) 61-58 to claim the local edition of the Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT).

A year later, the two Rwandan rivals are set for yet another decisive clash in the tournament, this time in the semifinals, and former league champions REG will be hoping to get one over the holders this time round.

The game is slated for Friday at Petit Stade in Remera.

The two sides progressed to the semifinals after finishing in the top two in their respective groups. Cyril Kalima’s REG finished top of Group A after winning all their group games – 94-61 against IPRC- Kigali, 91-25 over U18 national team, and 76-62 against APR. 

On the other hand, Maxime Mwiseneza’s side ended their group campaign in second position behind newly crowned league champions Patriots.

Espoir beat UGB 65-52, IPRC- South 91-80, and Rusizi 84-59 before losing 79-62 to Henry Mwinuke’s Patriots in their last group game. 

After suffering a last minute slipup which handed this season’s league title to their other rivals Patriots, REG will hope for better fortunes against Espoir on Saturday.

"Obviously Espoir pose a big threat, we lost to them in last year’s final and later in the league this season. We want to finish the season on a high and are taking this semi-final very seriously.” REG skipper told Times Sport yesterday. "The target is to win the tournament.”

In the other semifinal clash, Patriots will lock horns with former winners APR.

In the women’s category, Ubumwe and APR will meet for the first time this season, while Under-18 national team will face IPRC- South.

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