Friday, March 15
Kigali Titans Vs APR 6pm
Patriots Vs REG 8pm
It will be a battle of the titans when Patriots and bitter rivals Rwanda Energy Group (REG) go head-to-head in the Rwanda Basketball League at Lycee de Kigali (LDK) gymnasium on Friday night.
The tie between the two sides has for some years been closely contested, and normally attracts huge crowds of local basketball enthusiasts anticipating an exciting basketball battle.
REG beat the Patriots over two legs last season. The first round ended 83-69 in February 2023 while former star point guard Adonis Filer’s dramatic three-point buzzer beater at the last second again shocked the Patriots as REG emerged victorious 73-72 in the second round back in August.
The game was at the time shaped by controversy as Filer’s last shot caused drama inside the LDK gymnasium with a big number of basketball enthusiasts, and Patriots players and coaches alike, insisting that he had released the ball to the basket when time for the game was over. They called for referees to chalk it off but it was in vain.
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Both sides are unbeaten so far this campaign, having each registered five wins in as many games. REG are second on the table with 10 points and are level with Patriots who come in third place. They are only separated by point differences.
REG coach Charles Mushumba warned his players against complacency and urged them to "avoid any mistake and take the Patriots clash very seriously.”
Mushumba will rely on his two star centers Kendall Gray and Pitchou Manga, who have been the game-changers this season plus power forward Jean Victor Mukama and captain Olivier Shyaka. They are undoubtedly the main reason the team is unbeaten during their past five outings.
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On the other hand, Patriots coach Henry Mwinuka said that his men are ready for the test awaiting them.
"We’ve tried to work on our concentration levels,” Mwinuka said.
The likes of point guard William Perry, forward Steven Hagumintwari and small forward Dieudonné Ndizeye have been in their prime and Mwinuka believes their services will be crucial to Patriots’ performance against REG.
The game between the two local powerhouses will be preceded by another basketball showdown between champions APR and Kigali Titans at 6pm.
Mazen Trakh’s side leads the standings with 10 points while Kigali Titans are on bottom with 4 points.
Action will continue on Saturday with eighth-placed Orion taking on Inspired Generation (9th) at Lycee de Kigali gymnasium. The same ground will host the game between Tigers and United Generation Basketball Club (UGB) on Saturday.